Travel benefits launched for NHS and school staff in Oxford
Some of the income from Oxford’s temporary congestion charge is being invested into a new travel benefits package for NHS and school staff.
The package includes:
- Free parking for up to 16 hours per day at Oxford’s five park and ride sites.
- £1 single bus tickets to and from their workplaces in Oxford.
All staff working at NHS sites, schools, nurseries and early years settings in Oxford, including teaching, clinical, administration, catering and facilities management staff, can apply for the scheme.
Eligible staff will receive a link from their employer inviting them to apply.
Councillor Gareth Epps, Cabinet Member for Transport at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our NHS staff and education professionals provide essential services that people rely on every day.
“We are pleased to be using income from the temporary congestion charge to support them with the cost of travelling to work, while also encouraging more people to choose park and ride and bus travel.
“These benefits are part of our commitment to investing income from the scheme into measures that help reduce congestion in Oxford and improve travel in and around the city.”
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “The temporary congestion charge was a success in reducing traffic on Oxford’s roads and it’s essential that the funds raised support worthwhile initiatives to help encourage modal shift towards more sustainable travel.
“We’ve worked closely with Oxfordshire County Council to provide these benefits for NHS and school staff, and we’re delighted they will extend to all staff working at NHS sites, schools and nurseries.
“These staff are the backbone of our communities, and we look forward to welcoming them to our services, supporting more people in travelling sustainably in our city.”
Martin Gibbon, Managing Director of Stagecoach West & Oxford Tube, said: “We know that NHS staff and those working in schools and early years settings play a vital role in supporting Oxford’s communities every day, and we're pleased to be part of this initiative. By making bus travel more affordable, we're helping more people access a convenient, reliable and sustainable way to get to work.”
"The £1 fare offer, alongside Oxford's park and ride network, provides a great-value travel option for staff working across the city. We look forward to welcoming more healthcare and education workers on board and helping them leave the car at home for more of their journeys."
Those eligible can apply online using their work email address and will receive a travel card to obtain the £1 single tickets. Free parking at the park and ride sites can be accessed by the RingGo app, or by calling 0203 046 0010 if you don’t have a smartphone.
The offers are expected to be available for around eight months and will be reviewed during that time.
The investment forms part of a wider programme of measures funded through the temporary congestion charge. A £3 combined park and ride ticket was launched in August and covers return travel for up five people of any age and 16 hours of parking. Hospital express services from three park and ride sites are expected to start in early 2027.
Notes to editors
- A multi-million pound temporary congestion charge investment plan was agreed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 19 May 2026.
- Oxford’s temporary congestion charge was in operation from 29 October 2025 to 27 September 2026.
- Income raised by the temporary congestion charge is ring-fenced for development and administration of the scheme and transport improvements in the county.
- The temporary congestion charge was replaced by Oxford’s traffic filter trial on 28 September 2026.
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