Changes to BROOKESbus and BROOKESkey Ticket Options
1 month ago

Oxford Brookes University has announced changes to its current BROOKESbus contract and BROOKESkey ticket options.
After careful consideration, the University has decided not to renew its BROOKESbus contract with Oxford Bus Company when it expires on 30th June 2025.
By making this change, the University believes that, due to falling usage and the move to bring all Oxford-based teaching together on Headington Campus from September 2025, the money it currently invests in the BROOKESbus service will be used to better benefit more students.
Our existing 100 and 400 services, which operate as part of the current BROOKESbus service, will continue to run to their current timetables from this date. We’re working with all stakeholders and expect to be able to confirm whether the 400 will continue to serve Harcourt Hill beyond 30th August 2025 in good time ahead of the 2025/26 academic year commencing. Whatever the outcome of this decision, our existing 4A service will continue to provide a stop close to the Harcourt Hill site and runs to Osney Island for onward travel to the Headington Campus.
As a result of the BROOKESbus contract ending, there will be changes to the validity of BROOKESkey products and Inclusive Travel passes. Full information on how the changes impact university students and staff is available on Oxford Brookes University’s BROOKESkey webpage, with a summary as follows:
With immediate effect, the following tickets will no longer be available to purchase:
- Brookes Calendar Annual
- Brookes Academic Annual
- Brookes Semester Tickets
- Brookes Summer Pass
Any customers holding the above ticket types will be able to use their current ticket up until its expiry. BROOKESkey applications are also now closed.
As we continue to work in partnership with Oxford Brookes University, we’re pleased to announce that a new alternative subsidised travel offer for staff and students will available – our new Brookes CityZone Annual ticket - which will offer one year of unlimited travel from the date of activation.
The significantly subsidised new Brookes CityZone Annual ticket will be offered to all staff and students at the University for just £220 plus a £10 administration fee per year, with further subsidies and discounts provided where deemed appropriate by the University.
These tickets will be valid on all Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and Pulhams services within the CityZone area, which will provide more comprehensive travel across Oxford for those who make frequent use of the bus. Full details on how to purchase these tickets will be made available shortly, with tickets on sale from late June 2025 onwards.
Holders of existing Brookes Inclusive Travel passes will be able to continue to use these on the same services as presently until their expiry at the end of August 2025.
Brookes Intersite passes will no longer be accepted (both Intersite & Headington Permit variants) from 1st July 2025.
There will also be some changes to our other Oxford Brookes discounted tickets from Tuesday 1st July 2025:
- The Brookes CityZone Single available from the driver with Brookes Staff or Student ID will increase to £1.80.
- Our range of Brookes discounted multi-journey products available exclusively on the Oxford Bus app will be revised:
- Brookes CityZone 12 Trip - £17.50
- Brookes CityZone & CountryZone 12 Trip - £30.00
- Brookes Heathrow Flexible Return - £29.00
- Brookes Gatwick Flexible Return - £35.00
Full details on these changes, including a FAQ section and a form to contact the University is available on the BROOKESkey webpage.