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All good things must come to an end!

After eight wonderful years of serving our community, it is with great sadness that we must share the news that ABILITY Bus Services will be closing.

This has been a very difficult decision. We are incredibly proud of the service we have provided and the role our buses have played in helping people stay connected – whether travelling to the shops, appointments, or visiting family and friends.

Sadly, a number of challenges mean we are no longer able to continue operating in a sustainable way. These include:

  • Reduced reimbursement from local authorities for certain concessionary bus pass journeys
  • Uncertainty around Council grant funding from April 2026 and no agreement for longer-term support
  • Rising operating costs, including vehicle maintenance, fuel, insurance and the recent increase in Employer National Insurance contributions
  • The loss of our office and parking facilities, with no suitable alternative available locally

We understand that this news will come as a shock and may be worrying for many people who rely on our services.

Our office team will continue to support passengers while services remain operational. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us on 01327 604123. The office will remain open until Monday 13th April 2026.

This is a very emotional time for our staff, who have worked so hard over the years to provide a friendly and reliable service. We kindly ask everyone to continue showing them the same kindness and respect that has always meant so much to us.

To everyone who has travelled with us and supported us – thank you. It has been a genuine privilege to serve this community, and we will always be proud of what we have achieved together.

With heartfelt thanks from everyone at ABILITY Bus Services.

The ABILITY Team

 

Why is ABILITY Bus Services closing?

After eight years of operation, we are facing several significant challenges that mean we can no longer continue in a sustainable way:

  • Reduced reimbursement from local authorities for certain concessionary bus pass journeys
  • No confirmation of grant funding or agreement of a multi-year award
  • Increasing operating costs (vehicles, insurance, fuel, Employer National Insurance contributions)
  • Loss of our office and parking facilities, with no suitable alternative premises available locally

Taken together, these factors make it impossible for us to continue operating in a safe, sustainable and responsible manner.

When will services stop?
  • Monday 13th April 2026 – All services will finish, weekly and monthly shopper service, also any trips and group travel.
  • Bicester Bee service (Services 81, 82 and 108 to and from Bicester) will end on Saturday 29th August 2026.
  • Any booked group travel bookings and car bookings will be honoured up to Friday 10th April 2026.
Why can’t the service continue?

Without full and fair reimbursement of bus pass fares from the council we are not able to continue, in addition to additional confirmed funding and secure premises. Also impacted by rising operational costs fuel, insurance and employer costs we simply cannot responsibly commit to running services beyond these dates.

What happens to my pre-paid trips?

All payable trips that have already been booked will be honoured and completed up to Monday 13th April 2026. Trips after this day will be refunded in due course. If passengers have specific concerns about bookings, they should contact the office directly.

Can another organisation take over the service?

We are formally notifying the local authorities and the Office of the Traffic Commissioner of our closure. It will be for local authorities to decide whether they commission or support any replacement services. At this stage, we are not aware of any confirmed alternative provider. Our advice is to redirect this question to your local councillor or direct with Bus teams at the Councils.

Can I still use my concessionary bus pass until services end?

Yes. Concessionary bus passes can still be used on eligible services up to and including Monday 13th April 2026. Our operating permits expire on that day, so we are legally unable to run services beyond 13th April 2026.

Why was funding not secured?

Grant funding from West Northamptonshire Council for the period from April 2026 has not been confirmed, and no multi-year agreement has been agreed. Without this certainty, long-term planning and safe operation are not possible.

Is this decision final?

Yes. After careful consideration of all options, the Directors have made the difficult decision that closure is the only viable course of action.

What will happen to the staff?

This is a very sad time for our dedicated Drivers and Office Team. We are supporting staff through this process and ensuring all legal obligations are met.

What will happen to the funds which are left?

As we are a not-for-profit organisation, any leftover funds will be donated to the British Heart Foundation.

Passengers are able to contact the ABILITY office on 01327 604123 while services remain operational. The office will be closed from Monday 13th April 2026.

We do understand how difficult this is for you; however, we politely request that members show respect and consideration for our staff at this very difficult time.

Thank you