Oxfordshire County Council is considering how to invest £4.2 million generated by the city’s temporary congestion charge, with potential plans for a new, extended offer of free park and ride bus journeys through the end of December 2026, and free travel for specific key workers.
The council’s cabinet met on 21 April 2026 to discuss the investment plan. While the proposals include measures such as potential free park and ride bus travel through the end of December 2026, officials requested more information and amendments before making a final decision. The cabinet is expected to revisit these plans in May.
The current offer of free park and ride bus travel is set to conclude on 31 May 2026. If approved, the new proposals would also provide free weekday parking and bus travel for NHS and school staff working in Oxford for a nine-month period starting on 1 June 2026.
Other initiatives under consideration include a hospital express park and ride service, improvements to pedestrian and cycle infrastructure, and a scheme to provide six months of free bus travel for participants in the council’s Connect to Work programme.
The temporary £5 daily charge for cars without permits was introduced on 29 October 2025 at six locations across Oxford as an interim measure while Network Rail carries out the upgrade of the city’s railway station. Since its launch, the scheme has generated £1.7 million, exceeding initial forecasts. By law, the net income from this charge must be spent on local transport projects.
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