Better bus services, safer cycling routes and more affordable public transport are among the key priorities highlighted in this year’s Milton Park Travel Survey.
A huge thank you to the 1,068 people who took the time to share their views. Your feedback helps us understand what’s working well, where improvements are needed and where we should focus our efforts to support travel to/ from and around Milton Park.
Sustainable travel is gaining momentum
Almost half (46%) of journeys to Milton Park are now made by means other than driving alone, with buses accounting for more than a quarter of all journeys.
That’s an achievement worth celebrating. We’d like to thank everyone who chooses to travel by bus, bike, on foot or by sharing a car. Every sustainable journey helps reduce congestion and contributes to a more accessible and enjoyable environment for everyone on the Park.
Bus travel continues to be a particular success story. While travel patterns naturally fluctuate, passenger numbers have continued to grow. Since the X32 service increased from every 30 minutes to every 20 minutes, overall patronage has risen by 28%, with journeys between Milton Park and Didcot increasing by an impressive 130%.
With Botley Road now reopened, Oxford’s traffic filters in place and the potential return of the national £2 bus fare cap, there are positive signs that bus travel could become an even more attractive option in the future.
You want more frequent, reliable and affordable buses
The message from survey respondents was clear: more frequent services, improved punctuality and better connections with trains at Didcot Parkway would encourage more people to travel by bus.
We’re listening. We’ll continue working closely with our bus operator and transport partners to explore opportunities to improve service frequencies, optimise timetables and strengthen connections, particularly during peak commuting periods.
We also heard from people travelling from Abingdon, Wantage, Grove and Oxford who would like to benefit from Milton Park’s popular £20 annual bus pass scheme. Nearly 30% of respondents told us the pass has influenced their travel choices, making it one of our most successful travel initiatives.
Some people who currently travel by car said an expanded scheme could encourage them to switch to the bus. We’re therefore investigating what options might be possible, including whether a differently priced pass covering a wider area could be viable. There are financial and operational factors to consider but your feedback gives us a strong reason to explore the opportunities.
We’re also committed to making bus travel an even better experience once you’re on the Park. Most Milton Park bus stops have recently been upgraded to provide a more comfortable waiting environment, with the remaining stops scheduled for improvement early next year.
Why bus priority matters
Several respondents suggested introducing more bus lay-bys around the Park to prevent traffic having to wait behind buses while passengers board and alight.
While we understand those concerns, buses stopping on the carriageway often help improve reliability by allowing services to continue their journeys without waiting for a gap in traffic. Reliable bus services encourage more people to choose public transport, helping reduce overall congestion and making journeys easier for everyone, including those who need to drive.
Making cycling safer and easier
Improving cycling routes was another clear priority highlighted by the survey. Respondents identified gaps in the local cycling network, challenging junctions and the need for safer, more direct connections between Milton Park and neighbouring communities.
We’re already taking action. Milton Park has committed funding to Oxfordshire County Council to create a cycle route to Steventon via the Cinder Track, as well as the link between Kelaart’s Field and Peep-o-Day Lane towards Abingdon and Oxford. Together, these projects will help create an off-road connection linking Milton Park to National Cycle Route 5, making it easier and safer to travel by bike between Oxford, Abingdon and the Park.
We’re working closely with Oxfordshire County Council to deliver both schemes as quickly as possible and will keep occupiers updated as plans progress.
Your feedback is helping shape what’s next
The survey also highlighted ongoing challenges around congestion, roadworks and changing working patterns. We recognise that sustainable travel is not a practical option for everyone. Our aim is not to discourage necessary car journeys but to make alternative modes of transport more attractive, accessible and convenient wherever possible.
There are no overnight solutions and many improvements depend on close collaboration with transport operators, local authorities and other partners. However, your responses are helping us prioritise the changes that will make the greatest difference.
Thank you again to everyone who completed the survey and especially to those already choosing sustainable travel options. Together, you’re helping keep Milton Park moving and we’ll continue working to make journeys to and from the Park better for everyone.
Prize Draw Winners
£250 John Lewis Voucher + £100 donation to a charity of choice
- Otto Asunta, Tokamak Energy Ltd
£100 John Lewis Vouchers
- Charlie Cox, Taylor Rollinson
- K Lovatt, Immunocore
- Luke Powell, Evotec
£20 Tap Social Vouchers
- Mark Fear, Thruvision
- Sarah Davey, Informa Group
- Shah Jahan Syed, Tokamak Energy Ltd
- Stuart Walker, Hachette UK Distribution
- Tom, Wild Bioscience
- Laura Dytham, Revvity
- Chris Stuart, Lio/Oxehealth
- Eustace Painkras, Kioxia UK
- J Giles, BSG Ecology
- Janet Scott, Hachette Distribution UK
- Jason Moore, Salience Labs
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