Making buses faster and more reliable

At least nine different infrastructure schemes are planned or being delivered that will directly help to increase the reliability and speed of Oxfordshire's buses.

1. Oxford Traffic Filters and complementary bus measures:

Starting November 2024, we are trying a new way to reduce traffic congestion in and around Oxford by trialling camera-operated traffic filters on six roads in the city to help lower the number of private car journeys. This will make bus journeys faster and in turn allow for new and improved bus routes. This scheme uses £3.4m of BSIP funding alongside other funding sources. Please note: Network Rail has announced a delay to reopening Botley Road. As a result, the traffic filters trial is now on hold.

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2. Cherwell Street in Banbury:

This scheme aims to improve bus journey times from the current George Street / Cherwell Street Junction, into Banbury town centre, to the Cherwell Street / Bridge Street junction. It will also provide bus users walking to the bus stops and Bus Station in Bridge St (and to the train station) with safer and quicker access across the Cherwell St/Bridge St junction. Thus improving public transport access and interchange for passengers. This scheme uses £2.3m of BSIP funding alongside other funding sources and is expected to be complete by September 2025.

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3. Countywide Traffic Signals:

With £1.24m of BSIP funding, this capital scheme will deliver smart traffic signals which detect the approach of buses at key junctions, and change the signalling sequence to provide approaching buses with priority over general traffic. This is a rolling programme of improvements to be completed by September 2025.