Oxford SmartZone freezes key ticket prices

Oxford SmartZone has announced a price freeze for several of its popular tickets which cover bus routes in and around the city.

The news was confirmed amid a small number of ticket inflationary price changes that will be introduced on Sunday 22nd February.

Oxford SmartZone covers all the Oxford Bus Company, Stagecoach and Thames Travel bus routes in the city, plus Wheatley to the east, Kennington to the south, and Cumnor to the west, as well as Blackbird Leys, Kidlington and Yarnton.

With a SmartZone ticket, passengers can hop on the first bus that turns up, regardless of the operator, making it a convenient and flexible way to travel across Oxford by bus.

Oxford SmartZone has confirmed its annual fare changes that will commence this month. 

The prices of the adult one-day (£5) and group one-day tickets (£10) have been frozen if purchased via operator apps. And in a further boost, fares on both adult and under-18 one-week tickets have additionally been frozen at current rates.

Any5Day multi-day tickets are being withdrawn as customers can purchase one-day tickets in any chosen multiples via operators’ apps.

There are some small increases on other tickets including 13-week passes and multi-journey passes. Overall, the average increase across the SmartZone range of tickets is in line with the prevailing rate of inflation.

The new prices are designed to reflect the rising costs of operating the bus network, while continuing to provide excellent value for passengers.

In a joint statement, the Oxford SmartZone operators said: “We are freezing ticket prices where we can and remain committed to delivering a great service at an affordable price for our customers.

“We have worked hard to minimise fare increases, ensuring that bus travel is accessible and convenient for passengers.

“The SmartZone has a fleet of zero-emission electric buses, with many of the routes now fully electric. This is improving air quality in the communities we serve.”

Customers are advised to visit bus operator websites for full details.