Multi-operator bus ticket prices revised to maintain seamless countywide travel
Prices of a multi-operator bus ticket in Oxfordshire are to rise to ensure that passengers continue to benefit from integrated travel across the county.
The range of MyBus Oxfordshire tickets, which offer passengers daily or weekly travel around the county, covering most routes and operators for a fixed price, will see prices go up from 1 August 2026.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “MyBus has been a huge success. I do not want to change it. Government financial cuts are the only reason we are considering this unpalatable step.
“The revised fares will help ensure MyBus can continue to provide a convenient multi-operator ticket for passengers across Oxfordshire.
“These price changes are necessary to ensure that this important scheme can continue, in light of its growing popularity and the limited budget that Oxfordshire County Council has, to maintain operator participation.
“However, I will be writing to the secretary of state for transport to seek a better way forward for the future of MyBus.”
Since launching in 2024, MyBus has provided simple, flexible and great-value travel across Oxfordshire. The scheme has seen strong uptake – particularly among young people – and has helped residents and visitors make several hundreds of thousand journeys by bus.
Passenger feedback consistently highlights the convenience, flexibility and savings offered by being able to travel across multiple bus operators with a single ticket.
However, the government’s decision to increase the maximum single bus fare cap from £2 to £3 from 1 January 2025 meant that the savings offered by the MyBus tickets became more attractive, increasing sales, while also increasing the cost per ticket to Oxfordshire County Council. The initial budget for the scheme has now been exhausted, meaning that price increases are required to maintain the availability of the tickets.
The new prices will be:
- MyBus adult day ticket: £8.50 (previously £6.50)
- MyBus young person (5-18 inclusive) day ticket: £5.50 (previously £3.50)
- MyBus adult weekly ticket: £34 (previously £30)
- MyBus young person weekly ticket: £24 (previously £17).
Anyone affected by the changes may find that some operators’ own tickets – such as day, week or period products offered directly by bus companies – are cheaper for their journeys, particularly if they are only travelling on buses run by one company, or within the Oxford SmartZone. Check with your local bus operator for the best value ticket for your travel needs.
In addition, the government’s Great British Summer Savings scheme is expected to result in free August bus travel for five to 15 year olds, meaning that families can continue to enjoy low-cost travel over the summer holidays.
The council has also made a commitment to introduce a new 28-day MyBus ticket for both adults and young people from 1 April 2027 as part of its role within the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership, a collaboration between the local authority and the county’s bus companies.
It was also agreed to consult with youth organisations within Oxfordshire on the emerging OXBus Plan 2040 and enhanced partnership, with particular focus on multi-operator tickets and bus travel costs.
Sign up to hear from us and receive the latest news and updates in our fortnightly newsletter, Your Oxfordshire.