The Oxfordshire Vehicle Improvement Fund is a new grant scheme for operators of local bus services in Oxfordshire. The fund supports upgrades to vehicle fleets that improve the passenger experience and / or accelerate the decarbonisation of the bus network - helping to make local bus services more attractive, accessible, cleaner and greener.
All applications are assessed through a robust evaluation process and scored against key criteria. This ensures funding delivers clear passenger benefits and allows projects to be prioritised should the fund be over subscribed.
We are pleased to confirm that all eligible applications received in this funding round have been successful, with £1.4 million awarded from Oxfordshire’s Bus Grant funding provided by the Department for Transport. Operators are also making significant contributions themselves, with over £4m of additional investment committed across the schemes.
Passenger benefits delivered in this funding round
This year’s awards will deliver a wide range of improvements for passengers across Oxfordshire, including:
Zero‑emission buses for the Go‑Ahead Oxfordshire network
Thirteen brand‑new single‑deck, zero‑emission (tailpipe) buses will be introduced to the local Go‑Ahead fleet during spring and summer 2026.These Enviro100 and Kite Electroliner vehicles will operate across the Oxfordshire network and feature:
* additional space for wheelchairs and buggies
* free Wi‑Fi
* audio and visual next‑stop announcements
* USB and device charging at every seat
Their deployment will further reduce local emissions and extend the passenger experience improvements previously delivered by introduction of the 159 electric buses in Oxford.
Community transport decarbonisation and safety upgrades
West Oxfordshire Community Transport (WOCT) will convert two minibuses from diesel to battery‑electric operation and install charging infrastructure at its depot. The project also includes refurbishment of the passenger saloons. Through a separate grant award, WOCT will install internal and external CCTV across its entire fleet.
Refurbished buses on Reading Buses’ Pink Routes
Reading Buses will refurbish vehicles operating on the Pink Routes 25 and 25Abetween Peppard Common and Reading. Improvements include audio and visual announcements, mobile device charging points, new seating and refreshed interiors.
Accessibility improvements on local services
Passenger accessibility enhancements will also be delivered to vehicles operated by First and Last Mile and Our Bus Bartons on several routes across the county.
Looking ahead
Oxfordshire County Council plans to offer further rounds of the Oxfordshire Vehicle Improvement Fund for the next four years, starting from April 2026, enabling continued investment in the local bus network and further improvements for passengers.
