UK city hands free bus passes to asylum seekers – while others pay £4.50

A new scheme in Oxford will see free bus day-passes handed to asylum seekers – while other passengers pay up to £4.50.

The pilot scheme, which was launched on Monday, November 11, gives asylum seekers in Oxfordshire living on less than £9 a week free access to buses within Oxford’s SmartZone.

The initiative was supported by Asylum Welcome and Citizens UK and aims to help travel to appointments, attend classes and integrate into the community.

The Oxford Bus Company’s website lists the cost of a CityZone day pass at £4.50.

Other options include a weekly pass for £18, a 4-week pass for £61, and an annual pass costing £499.

The company also offers a Government-backed scheme capping adult single tickets at £2 until the end of 2024.

Asylum seekers welcomed the free passes, telling Oxford Mail how the scheme has transformed their daily lives.

One asylum seeker said: “This bus pass allows me to attend my classes and visit my friends in different parts of the city.”

Another, named Habib, said: “I like Oxford city, and I want to make my future in Oxford.”

A third asylum seeker, Ghaniyat, said: “I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life. I appreciate it deeply.”

The first 120 passes were distributed this week to asylum seekers living in hotel accommodation.

Many said the passes would help the asylum seekers access libraries, museums, places of worship and volunteering opportunities.

The Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, also praised the initiative.

He said: “This will help those who have least to be more at home and be a tangible sign of welcome from our whole community.”

The scheme has also been celebrated by Asylum Welcome, with coordinator Hari Reed crediting refugees for driving the campaign.

“The success of the bus campaign is thanks to the dedicated work of asylum seekers living in hotel accommodation in Oxford,” Reed said.

The project, backed by Oxfordshire County Council and local bus companies, is a pilot programme that campaigners hope will expand in the future.

Supporters argue that free transport will help reduce the isolation often felt by asylum seekers during lengthy legal processes.