Editing Oxford (section)

==Transport==
===Air===
In addition to the larger [[airports]] in the region, Oxford is served by nearby [[Oxford Airport]], in [[Kidlington]]. The airport is also home to [[CAE Oxford|CAE Oxford Aviation Academy]] and Airways Aviation<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/new-global-headquarters-for-airways-aviation/ | title=New Global Headquarters for Airways Aviation | first=Richard | last=Hikins | date=4 March 2016 | website=oxfordairport.co.uk | publisher=[[Oxford Airport]] | access-date=18 October 2020 | archive-date=28 October 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028173720/https://www.oxfordairport.co.uk/new-global-headquarters-for-airways-aviation/ | url-status=live }}</ref> airline pilot flight training centres, and several private jet companies. The airport is also home to [[Airbus Helicopters]] UK headquarters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/press/Airbus%20Helicopters%20celebrates%2040%20years%20as%20the%20all-in-one%20solution%20for%20UK%20helicopter%20industry_1547.html | title=Airbus Helicopters celebrates 40 years as the all-in-one solution for UK helicopter industry | date=15 July 2014 | work=Helicopters | publisher=[[Airbus]] | access-date=18 October 2020 | archive-date=28 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128043043/http://www.helicopters.airbus.com/website/en/press/Airbus%20Helicopters%20celebrates%2040%20years%20as%20the%20all-in-one%20solution%20for%20UK%20helicopter%20industry_1547.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

====Rail–airport links====
Direct trains run from [[Oxford railway station]] to {{rws|London Paddington}} where there is an interchange with the [[Heathrow Express]]. Passengers can change at [[Reading railway station|Reading]] for connecting trains to [[Gatwick Airport railway station|Gatwick Airport]] or the [[RailAir]] coach link to [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]]. [[CrossCountry]] runs direct services to [[Birmingham International railway station|Birmingham International]], as well as to [[Southampton Airport Parkway railway station|Southampton Airport Parkway]] further afield.

===Buses===
[[File:Wright StreetDeck SK66 HTY Oxford StGiles.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Oxford Bus Company]] [[Hybrid electric bus|hybrid bus]] on a [[park & ride]] service]]
[[File:Oxford Bus Company 604 on Route U1, Oxford Station (14966079163).jpg|thumb|[[Oxford Bus Company]] [[flywheel energy storage]] bus on a BrookesBus service]]

Bus services in Oxford and its suburbs are run by the [[Oxford Bus Company]] and [[Stagecoach West]] as well as other operators including [[Arriva Shires & Essex]] and [[Thames Travel]]. Oxford has one of the largest urban [[park and ride]] networks in the United Kingdom. Its five sites, at Pear Tree, [[Redbridge, Oxford|Redbridge]], [[Seacourt]], Thornhill, [[Water Eaton, Oxfordshire|Water Eaton]] and [[Oxford Parkway]] have a combined capacity of 4,930 car parking spaces,<ref>{{cite web|title=Park and ride car parks|url=http://voyager.oxfordshire.gov.uk/Carpark.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925095850/http://voyager.oxfordshire.gov.uk/Carpark.aspx|archive-date=25 September 2015|access-date=24 September 2015|work=Roads and transport|publisher=[[Oxfordshire County Council]]}}</ref> served by 20 Oxford Bus Company double decker buses with a combined capacity of 1,695 seats.<ref>{{cite web|date=August 2015|title=Oxford Bus Company Fleet List|url=http://assets.goaheadbus.com/media/cms_page_media/72/OBC%20fleetlist-aug2015.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925091420/http://assets.goaheadbus.com/media/cms_page_media/72/OBC%20fleetlist-aug2015.pdf|archive-date=25 September 2015|access-date=24 September 2015|publisher=Oxford Bus Company}}</ref> [[Hybrid electric bus|Hybrid buses]] began to be used in Oxford in 2010, and their usage has been expanded.<ref>{{cite news|last=Little|first=Reg|date=15 July 2010|title=Transport revolution|pages=1–2|newspaper=[[The Oxford Times]]|publisher=[[Newsquest]] (Oxfordshire) Ltd|location=Oxford|url=http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/8272347.Green_revolution_on_buses/|url-status=live|access-date=15 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726195919/http://www.oxfordtimes.co.uk/news/8272347.Green_revolution_on_buses/|archive-date=26 July 2011}}</ref> In 2014 Oxford Bus introduced a fleet of 20 new buses with [[flywheel energy storage]] on the services it operates under contract for [[Oxford Brookes University]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Holley|first=Mel|date=10 September 2014|title=Gyrodrive debuts in Oxford|work=RouteOne|publisher=Diversified Communications|url=http://www.route-one.net/industry/gyrodrive-debuts-oxford//|url-status=dead|access-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131202053/http://www.route-one.net/industry/gyrodrive-debuts-oxford/|archive-date=31 January 2016}}</ref> Most buses in the city now use a [[smartcard]] to pay for journeys<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.go-ahead.com/sustainability/customers/smart-ticketing.aspx |title=Smart ticketing |work=Sustainability |publisher=Go-Ahead Group |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206134929/http://go-ahead.com/sustainability/customers/smart-ticketing.aspx |archive-date=6 February 2015 |access-date=21 April 2015 }}</ref> and have free [[WiFi]] installed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decN/newsarticle.htm?newsarticle_itemid=55527 |title=Free Wi-Fi on city buses and buildings as Oxford gets Super Connected |work=Newsroom |publisher=Oxford City Council |date=13 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421085613/http://www.oxford.gov.uk/PageRender/decN/newsarticle.htm?newsarticle_itemid=55527 |archive-date=21 April 2015 |url-status=dead |access-date=21 April 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://oxfordbus.wordpress.com/tag/travel/ |title=Free Wi-Fi on buses announced as Oxford gets Super Connected! |author=Oxford Bus Company |publisher=WordPress |date=4 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525121131/https://oxfordbus.wordpress.com/tag/travel/ |archive-date=25 May 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/update/2014-10-15/oxford-bus-users-to-get-free-wifi/ |title=Oxford bus users to get free wifi |work=News |publisher=ITV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525140741/http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/update/2014-10-15/oxford-bus-users-to-get-free-wifi/ |archive-date=25 May 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Coach===
The Oxford to [[London]] coach route offers a frequent coach service to London. The [[Oxford Tube]] is operated by [[Stagecoach West]] and the [[Oxford Bus Company]] runs the Airline services to [[Heathrow Airport|Heathrow]] and [[Gatwick Airport|Gatwick]] airports. There is a bus station at [[Gloucester Green]], used mainly by the London and airport buses, [[National Express Coaches|National Express]]  coaches and other long-distance buses including route [[Stagecoach X5|X5]] to [[Milton Keynes Coachway|Milton Keynes]] and [[Bedford]] and [[Stagecoach Gold]] route S6.

===Cycling===
Among cities in England and Wales, Oxford has the second highest percentage of people [[cycling]] to work.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/cycling-to-work/2011-census-analysis---cycling-to-work.html |title=2011 Census Analysis – Cycling to Work |publisher=ONS |date=26 March 2014 |access-date=23 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140825060052/http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/census/2011-census-analysis/cycling-to-work/2011-census-analysis---cycling-to-work.html |archive-date=25 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Rail===
[[File:Oxford Railway Station at dusk Nov 2011.jpg|alt=|thumb|[[Oxford railway station]], in the city centre]]
[[File:Oxford Parkway 3rd November2015 14.JPG|alt=|thumb|[[Oxford Parkway railway station|Oxford Parkway Station]], on the outskirts near [[Kidlington]]]]

[[Oxford railway station]] is half a mile (about 1&nbsp;km) west of the city centre. The station is served by trains from three train operating companies. [[Great Western Railway (train operating company)|Great Western Railway (GWR)]] manage the station and run direct services to [[London Paddington station|London Paddington]] and [[Worcester Foregate Street railway station|Worcester]], [[Great Malvern railway station|Malvern]] and [[Hereford railway station|Hereford]]. [[CrossCountry]] trains call at Oxford on their [[Bournemouth railway station|Bournemouth]]—[[Manchester Piccadilly station|Manchester]] route via [[Southampton Central railway station|Southampton]], [[Reading railway station|Reading]] and [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham]]. [[Chiltern Railways]] operates a service to [[Marylebone station|London Marylebone]] and will operate the [[East West Rail]] trains to [[Milton Keynes Central railway station|Milton Keynes]] when these start running in 2025.

Oxford has had three main railway stations. The first was opened at Grandpont in 1844,{{sfn|MacDermot|1927|pp=180–181}} but this was a terminus, inconvenient for routes to the north;{{sfn|MacDermot|1927|p=300}} it was replaced by the present station on [[Park End Street]] in 1852 with the opening of the [[Birmingham New Street railway station|Birmingham]] route.{{sfn|MacDermot|1927|p=327}} Another terminus, at [[Oxford Rewley Road railway station|Rewley Road]], was opened in 1851 to serve the [[Bletchley railway station|Bletchley]] route;{{sfn|Mitchell|Smith|2005|loc=Historical Background}} this station closed in 1951.{{sfn|Mitchell|Smith|2005|loc=fig. 8}} There have also been a number of local railway stations, all of which are now closed. <!-- Several were provided in the earlier part of the twentieth century. (needs thinking about, do this bit later) --> A fourth station, {{rws|Oxford Parkway}}, is just outside the city, at the [[park and ride]] site near [[Kidlington]]. The present railway station opened in 1852.

Oxford is the junction for a short branch line to [[Bicester]], a remnant of the former [[Varsity line]] to [[Cambridge]]. This [[Oxford–Bicester line]] was upgraded to {{convert|100|mph|0|abbr=on}} running during an 18-month closure in 2014/2015 – and is scheduled to be extended to form the planned [[East West Rail]] line to Milton Keynes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/ |title=Welcome to |publisher=East West Rail |date=18 August 2014 |access-date=23 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807025346/http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/ |archive-date=7 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> East West Rail is proposed to continue through {{rws|Bletchley}} (for {{rws|Milton Keynes Central}}) to [[Bedford railway station|Bedford]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/western-section |title=Western Section |publisher=East West Rail |date=18 August 2014 |access-date=23 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807030413/http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/western-section |archive-date=7 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Cambridge,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/central-section |title=Central Section |publisher=East West Rail |date=18 August 2014 |access-date=23 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807032336/http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/central-section |archive-date=7 August 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and ultimately [[Ipswich railway station|Ipswich]] and [[Norwich railway station|Norwich]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/eastern-section |title=Eastern Section |publisher=East West Rail |date=18 August 2014 |access-date=23 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140807025204/http://www.eastwestrail.org.uk/eastern-section |archive-date=7 August 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> thus providing alternative route to [[East Anglia]] without needing to travel via, and connect between, the [[London station group|London]] mainline terminals.

[[Chiltern Railways]] operates from Oxford to London Marylebone via {{rws|Bicester Village}}, having sponsored the building of about 400 metres of new track between Bicester Village and the [[Chiltern Main Line]] southwards in 2014. The route serves [[High Wycombe railway station|High Wycombe]] and London Marylebone, avoiding London Paddington and [[Didcot Parkway railway station|Didcot Parkway]].

In 1844, the [[Great Western Railway]] linked [[Oxford railway station|Oxford]] with [[Paddington railway station|London Paddington]] via {{stnlnk|Didcot}} and {{stnlnk|Reading}};{{sfn|Simpson|1997|p=59}}{{sfn|Simpson|2001|p=9}} in 1851, the [[London & North Western Railway]] opened its own route from Oxford to [[Euston railway station|London Euston]], via [[Bicester Village railway station|Bicester]], {{stnlnk|Bletchley}} and [[Watford Junction railway station|Watford]];{{sfn|Simpson|1997|p=101}} and in 1864 a third route, also to Paddington, running via {{stnlnk|Thame}}, {{stnlnk|High Wycombe}} and {{stnlnk|Maidenhead}}, was provided;{{sfn|Simpson|2001|p=57}} this was shortened in 1906 by the opening of a direct route between High Wycombe and London Paddington by way of {{stnlnk|Denham}}.{{sfn|MacDermot|1931|p=432}} The distance from Oxford to London was {{convert|78|mi|km|1}} via Bletchley; {{convert|63.5|mi|km|1}} via Didcot and Reading; {{convert|63.25|mi|km|1}} via Thame and Maidenhead;{{sfn|Cooke|1960|p=70}} and {{convert|55.75|mi|km|1}} via Denham.{{sfn|MacDermot|1931|p=432}}

Only the original ({{rws|Didcot}}) route is still in use for its full length, portions of the others remain. There were also routes to the north and west. The line to {{stnlnk|Banbury}} was opened in 1850,{{sfn|MacDermot|1927|p=300}} and was extended to [[Birmingham Snow Hill railway station|Birmingham Snow Hill]] in 1852;{{sfn|MacDermot|1927|p=327}} a route to [[Worcester Shrub Hill railway station|Worcester]] opened in 1853.{{sfn|MacDermot|1927|p=498}} A branch to [[Witney railway station (goods)|Witney]] was opened in 1862,{{sfn|MacDermot|1927|p=551}} which was extended to {{stnlnk|Fairford}} in 1873.{{sfn|MacDermot|1931|p=27}} The line to Witney and Fairford closed in 1962, but the others remain open.

===River and canal===
Oxford was historically an important [[port]] on the [[River Thames]], with this section of the river being called the [[river Isis|Isis]]; the [[Oxford-Burcot Commission]] in the 17th century attempted to improve navigation to Oxford.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Thames Highway: Volume II Locks and Weirs |author=Thacker, Fred. S. |location= Newton Abbot |publisher=David and Charles |orig-year= 1920 |year=1968 }}</ref> [[Iffley Lock]] and [[Osney Lock]] lie within the bounds of the city. In the 18th century the [[Oxford Canal]] was built to connect Oxford with the [[Midlands]].<ref>{{cite book |title=The Oxford Canal |first=Hugh J. |last=Compton |location=Newton Abbot |publisher=David & Charles |year=1976 |isbn=978-0-7153-7238-8 <!--not the correct OCLC number. Doesn't turn up anything as an LCCN either… |oclc=76-54077-->}}</ref> Commercial traffic has given way to recreational use of the river and canal. Oxford was the original base of [[Salters Steamers]] (founded in 1858), which was a leading racing-boatbuilder that played an important role in popularising pleasure [[boating]] on the Upper Thames. The firm runs a regular service from [[Folly Bridge]] downstream to [[Abingdon, Oxfordshire|Abingdon]] and beyond.

===Roads===

[[File:M40 in Warwickshire Crop.jpg|thumb|The [[M40 motorway|M40]] extension]]

Oxford's central location on several transport routes means that it has long been a [[wikt:crossroads|crossroads]] city with many [[coaching inn]]s, although road traffic is now strongly discouraged, and largely prevented, from using the city centre. The [[Oxford Ring Road]] or A4142 (southern part) surrounds the city centre and close suburbs [[Marston, Oxfordshire|Marston]], [[Iffley]], [[Cowley, Oxford|Cowley]] and [[Headington]]; it consists of the [[A34 road (England)|A34]] to the west, a 330-yard section of the [[A44 road|A44]], the [[A40 road|A40]] north and north-east, A4142/[[A423 road|A423]] to the east. It is a [[dual carriageway]], except for a 330-yard section of the A40 where two residential [[service road]]s adjoin, and was completed in 1966.

====A roads====
The main roads to/from Oxford are:
* [[A34 road (England)|A34]] – a trunk route connecting the [[Northern England|North]] and [[Midlands]] to the port of [[Southampton]]. It leaves J9 of the [[M40 motorway|M40]] north of Oxford, passes west of Oxford to [[Newbury, Berkshire|Newbury]] and [[Winchester]] to the south and joins the [[M3 motorway (Great Britain)|M3]] {{convert|12.7|mi}} north of Southampton. Since the completion of the [[Newbury bypass]] in 1998, this section of the A34 has been an entirely [[grade separated]] [[dual carriageway]]. Historically the A34 led to [[Bicester]], [[Banbury]], [[Stratford-upon-Avon]], [[Birmingham]] and [[Manchester]], but since the completion of the M40 it disappears at J9 and re-emerges {{convert|50|mi|km}} north at [[Solihull]].
* [[A40 road (Great Britain)|A40]] – leading east dualled to J8 of the [[M40 motorway]], then an alternative route to [[High Wycombe]] and [[London]]; leading west part-dualled to [[Witney]] then bisecting [[Cheltenham]], [[Gloucester]], [[Monmouth]], [[Abergavenny]], passing [[Brecon]], [[Llandovery]], [[Carmarthen]] and [[Haverfordwest]] to reach [[Fishguard]].
* [[A44 road|A44]] – which begins in Oxford, leading past [[Evesham]] to [[Worcester, England|Worcester]], [[Hereford]] and [[Aberystwyth]].
* [[A420 road|A420]] – which also begins in Oxford and leads to [[Bristol]], passing [[Swindon]] and [[Chippenham]].

====Zero-emission zone====
{{main|zero-emission zone in Oxford}}
On 28 February 2022 a [[zero-emission]] pilot area became operational in Oxford city centre. Zero-emission vehicles can be used without incurring a charge but all petrol and diesel vehicles (including hybrids) incur a daily charge if they are driven in the zone between 7am and 7pm.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/oxford-zero-emission-zone-zez/about-zero-emission-zone/ |title=About Oxford's Zero Emission Zone |access-date=30 April 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228130330/https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/oxford-zero-emission-zone-zez/about-zero-emission-zone |url-status=live }}</ref>

A consultation on the introduction of a wider zero-emission zone is expected in the future, at a date to be confirmed.

====Bus gates====

Oxford has eight bus gates, short sections of road where only buses and other authorised vehicles can pass.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bus lanes and bus gates|url=https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/parking/parking-and-bus-gate-fines/bus-lanes-and-bus-gates|publisher=Oxfordshire County Council|access-date=16 November 2022|archive-date=15 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115143836/https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/parking/parking-and-bus-gate-fines/bus-lanes-and-bus-gates|url-status=live}}</ref>

Six further bus gates are currently proposed. A council-led consultation on the traffic filters ended on 13 October 2022. On 29 November 2022, Oxfordshire County Council cabinet approved the introduction on a trial basis, for a minimum period of six months.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Colivicchi |first1=Anna |title=Plans for six traffic filters in Oxford approved by council |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23157606.plans-six-traffic-filters-oxford-approved-council/ |access-date=4 December 2022 |publisher=Oxford Mail |archive-date=4 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204162608/https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23157606.plans-six-traffic-filters-oxford-approved-council/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The trial will begin after improvement works to Oxford railway station are complete, which is expected to be by October 2024.<ref>{{cite web|title=Consultation on trial traffic filters 2022|url=https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/traffic-filters-2022|access-date=6 December 2022|publisher=Oxford Mail|archive-date=5 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205200909/https://letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/traffic-filters-2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The additional bus gates have been controversial; Oxford University and Oxford Bus Company support the proposals but more than 3,700 people have signed an online petition opposing the new traffic filters for Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way, and hotelier Jeremy Mogford has argued they would be a mistake.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oxford University and Oxford Bus Company back traffic filters |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-63500562 |publisher=BBC News |date=4 November 2022 |access-date=16 November 2022 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115143825/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-63500562 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Opinion: Why six new bus gates will be a mistake for Oxford says top hotelier |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23076506.six-new-bus-gates-will-mistake-oxford-says-top-hotelier/ |newspaper=Oxford Mail |first=Andrew |last=Ffrench |date=25 October 2022 |access-date=16 November 2022 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115143827/https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23076506.six-new-bus-gates-will-mistake-oxford-says-top-hotelier/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2022, Mogford announced that his hospitality group The Oxford Collection had joined up with Oxford Business Action Group (OBAG), Oxford High Street Association (OHSA), ROX (Backing Oxford Business), Reconnecting Oxford, Jericho Traders, and Summertown traders to launch a legal challenge to the new bus gates.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Legal challenge to bus gates is 'last resort' says Jeremy Mogford |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23147823.legal-challenge-bus-gates-last-resort-says-jeremy-mogford/ |newspaper=Oxford Mail |first=Andrew |last=Ffrench |date=25 November 2022 |access-date=6 December 2022 |archive-date=6 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206134003/https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/23147823.legal-challenge-bus-gates-last-resort-says-jeremy-mogford/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Motorway====
The city is served by the [[M40 motorway]], which connects [[London]] to [[Birmingham]]. The M40 approached Oxford in 1974, leading from London to [[Waterstock]], where the A40 continued to Oxford. When the M40 extension to Birmingham was completed in January 1991, it curved sharply north, and a mile of the old motorway became a spur. The M40 comes no closer than {{convert|6|mi|km|0}} away from the city centre, curving to pass to the east of [[Otmoor]]. The M40 meets the [[A34 road|A34]] to the north of Oxford.