A new scheme in Oxford has given asylum seekers living on less than £9 a week free access to buses, while other passengers must pay £4.50.
This pilot scheme, which launched last Monday, aims to help asylum seekers attend classes, appointments and integrate in the community.
Asylum seekers have been given a number of day passes as part of a campaign led by refugees and supported by Asylum Welcome and Citizens UK.
The first 120 passes were distributed to asylum seekers living in a hotel.
Asylum seekers in Oxford have been given free bus passes
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Asylum Welcome, a charity supporting refugees, said it is optimistic that the success of the pilot will lead to a wider adoption of the scheme.
The campaigners hope the passes will help refugees feel less isolated during the often lengthy, legal process to live and work in Britain.
The Bishop of Oxford and Patron of Asylum Welcome Steven Croft praised the initiative and said it showed the city’s generosity.
“Oxford is known as a generous city and the decision of the Council to pilot free bus tickets for asylum seekers is a further demonstration of that generosity and will help those who have least to be more at home and be a tangible sign of welcome from our whole community,” he said.
Coordinator Hari Reed has also praised asylum seekers for driving the campaign.
She said: “The success of the bus campaign is thanks to the dedicated work of asylum seekers living in hotel accommodation in Oxford.”
Speaking to the Oxford Mail, the recipients of the passes shared how grateful they were.
One resident said: “This bus pass allows me to attend my classes and visit my friends in different parts of the city.”
Asylum Welcome said it is optimistic the scheme will lead to a broader adoption of the initiative
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Another user named Habib said he likes Oxford and wants to build a future in the city.
Ghaniyat, a third asylum seeker said: “I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life. I appreciate it deeply.”
Meanwhile, Oxford residents must pay up to £4.50 for a day bus pass. Other options include a weekly pass for £18 and an annual pass for £499.