Cabinet, on 13 July 2022, resolved to:

‘Delegate authority to the Executive Director (Development) in consultation with the Head of Financial Services/S151 Officer, the Deputy Leader (Statutory) – Finance and Asset Management and the Cabinet Member for Health and Transport to continue or amend the trial based on a review of the trial feedback and income generated.’

The report and full minutes and resolutions can be found here.

To continue the trial price for combined parking and bus tickets (which started on 30 September 2022) at Oxford City Council Park & Ride sites until 30 September 2023 (the maximum of the officer delegation from Cabinet).

A separate decision process is needed for the County Council Park & Ride sites.

The decision means there will be more months of data to inform future decision-making processes about any permanent changes to the pricing of combined parking and bus tickets.

Since the trial started, overall usage and income on all Park & Ride sites has increased compared to the previous period. The change looks like it is meeting the overall objective of increasing usage and income and securing the future operation of bus services, but more time is needed to make a permanent decision. There will still be review points which could function as break clauses quarterly, with the next review in April 2023.

Ending the trial change after six months would be the only possible alternative. This option was rejected as it would reintroduce the risk of reduced income for the council and service withdrawals by bus operators at a particularly important juncture for public transport in Oxford.

Decision taken by Tom Bridgman, Executive Director (Development) in consultation with Carolyn Ploszynski, Head of Regeneration & Economy; Nigel Turner, Head of Financial Services/S151 Officer; Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Health & Transport; and Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) - Finance & Asset Management.