NHS and school staff to get discounted bus travel

People working at schools or NHS sites in Oxford will get discounted travel from the city's park and rides in a bid to reduce congestion.

Money collected from the city's temporary congestion charge will fund 16 hours free parking each day at Oxford's five park and ride sites, as well as subsidised £1 single bus tickets.

Oxfordshire County Council currently offers a subsidised £3 combined ticket for up to five people.

Cabinet member for transport Gareth Epps said: "Nothing is more important than being able to get into our schools and hospitals."

The discount is for all staff at NHS sites, schools, nurseries and early years settings in Oxford, including for people in roles like administration, catering and cleaning.

The county council said all eligible staff would be given a link, from their employer, inviting them to apply.

Headteacher at Cheney School in Oxford Rob Pavey believes it "could make a big difference".

"Persuading people to leave their cars is difficult, but every member of staff that's made the change has found it really positive," he said.

Donna-Sue Wright, local convener for the Royal College of Nursing, said it was a "really, really good offer" but the challenge would come from trying to change people's habits.

"It's difficult to persuade somebody that getting a bus is better than getting into a car. The car parks will still be here, people will still want to use them," she added.

Oxford's congestion charge has so far raised an estimated surplus of £7.7m from the £5-per-day charges and fines.

By law that money may only be spent on helping the council achieve its transport policies.

Councillor David Henwood, shadow cabinet member for transport, welcomed the move but said he had some doubts.

"As a former school teacher, I've taken home hundreds of books to be marked and you're not going to be able to carry those on a bus," he said.

"We mark homework, we work late, we arrive early in the morning. So if there is a bus service that meets those requirements, fine. But I am doubtful."

And in regard to hospital workers taking-up the offer, he added: "I would like to see a multi-story carpark - I think it does solve a capacity issue."

Councillor Epps said: "We think it's a win-win. It will mean there are more people using our buses, freeing up pressure on the car parks and some of the roads around the hospitals."