A study has revealed that Oxford Bus Company channelled £170 million into the British economy throughout 2025.
The research, conducted by Oxford Economics, found that Oxford Bus Group employs 2,500 individuals across its various subsidiaries.
These subsidiaries include Carousel Buses, City Sightseeing Oxford, Pearces Coaches, Pulhams and Thames Travel. The combined operation encompasses more than 490 vehicles across its routes.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said the report from Oxford Economics provides excellent recognition of the economic contribution made by Go-Ahead to the United Kingdom.
The research by Oxford Economics also highlighted that 66,400 customers travelled on open-top bus tours operated by City Sightseeing Oxford during the previous twelve months.
On a larger scale, the findings demonstrate how Go-Ahead Group, which owns Oxford Bus Company, contributed £6.4 billion to the British economy over the past year.
The figures underline Go-Ahead’s economic importance. This includes sustaining 86,900 jobs nationwide, along with £2.4 billion in expenditure with UK-based suppliers and 2.8 million tourist journeys made across Britain.
Go-Ahead operates over 6,000 buses throughout the United Kingdom, including the largest fleet of zero-emission vehicles.
This encompasses Oxford Bus Company’s current collection of 110 electric buses.
In January 2023, an £82.5 million partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and Stagecoach resulted in 159 electric buses being introduced to Oxford’s roads, with Oxford Bus Company acquiring 104 of these vehicles.
Collectively termed the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership, this initiative was recently honoured with the Best Public Transport Decarbonisation Award at the inaugural Decarbonising Transport Awards.
Last month, following an investment exceeding £5.1 million, a further 13 electric buses were added to Oxford Bus Company’s fleet, with six already in service and the remainder anticipated to launch later this spring.
Running such a substantial number of electric buses is assisting the company in addressing the ongoing fuel crisis exacerbated by the conflict involving Iran.
Go-Ahead provided £3.9 million, complemented by a £1.2 million contribution from Oxfordshire County Council through its Vehicle Improvement Fund grant scheme.
Mr Marion added that the numbers are remarkably impressive and underscore how vital buses are to society and the economy.
On a local level, he expressed pride in what the teams achieve every day. Employees work extraordinarily hard and these outcomes would not be possible without their dedication.
The company’s impact on both local and national economies validates its standing as it continues to enhance and grow its network.
Patrick Verwer, chief executive officer of Go-Ahead Rail, noted that it is gratifying to see Go-Ahead’s function as a driver of regional growth emphasised in this report, bringing investment to local areas and supporting town centre economies.
Beyond the economic contribution and employment sustained, employees take genuine pride in serving passengers and the organisation acknowledges its vital role in maintaining national mobility each day.
Whether journeys involve travelling to employment, education or connecting with family and friends, the company recognises how significant these trips are and remains dedicated to providing reliable services while investing in the future of transportation.
Oxford Economics was founded in 1981 and is a respected independent economic consultancy, with over 450 economists and analysts working across offices worldwide.