Oxford Tube service will return to a 7 day operation from Monday 29th March
IT’S BACK TO BUSINESS FOR THE OXFORD TUBE
- Oxford Tube service will return to a 7 day operation from Monday 29TH March
- Services will run up to every 10 minutes during morning peak from Oxford
- Popular commuter express services via Baker Street reinstated
- Complete fleet upgrade following £13 investment into new coaches
- Reduced capacity and social distancing measures implemented in line with government guidelines remain in place
Stagecoach Oxfordshire has announced the return of its Oxford Tube service on Monday 29th March to support the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown and the re-phased reopening of retail and hospitality.
A revised timetable will operate 7 days a week with a frequency from Oxford to London of up to every 10 minutes during peak times Monday to Friday, an average 20 minute frequency throughout the day and up to every 12 minutes at weekends.
The express services, which run direct between Thornhill P&R and Baker Street on weekdays, will also return. Towards London, two morning express journeys will run via Baker Street, providing an onward connection with Marylebone’s underground stations; a welcome return for commuters to the city. Returning from the capital, two express journeys will operate to give fast-tracked journeys from London.
The entire coach fleet has now been replaced following a £13 million investment. The new luxurious coaches provide customers with a host of new on board features including at seat wireless and USB charging, reading lights, individual trays and cup holders, free Wi-Fi, foot rests and 3 point seats belts.
Stagecoach has worked hard to provide extensive Covid-secure measures to ensure customers can travel with confidence. An enhanced cleaning regime provides frequent touch point cleaning and on board hand sanitisers are available. Social distancing measures continue with a one-way system for boarding. Face coverings are compulsory on all public transport.
To tie in with the re-launch of services, child fares will fall by £1 and the cost of 1, 4, 13 week, 12 trip tickets and annual passes will remain unchanged, a benefit for regular customers for their continued loyalty and support.
To reflect the fact that capacity remains restricted and coach services do not qualify for the same level of government support as bus services, there will be some increases to single and return fares from 29th March. Despite an increase, these fares remain below their original pricing prior to October 2018 when a significant promotion was launched; later resulting in a permanent fare change.
Karen Coventry, Director at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, which manages the Oxford Tube, said: “We are thrilled to be able to share with our customers that the Oxford Tube will be returning at the end of this month. The Government’s roadmap has enabled us to implement a timetable which provides our passengers with a good level of service and will see us through the gradual easing of restrictions and the re-opening of non-essential retail which will follow in April.
“We have received a number of enquiries regarding when the service will return, not just from customers but from ours drivers too who have been eager to get back behind the wheel of our new coaches. The new vehicles are an attractive mode of transport to reach the capital and will draw visitors to Oxford too, helping to support the economy and the county’s recovery.
“I’d like to again thank all of our staff and customers for their continued patience and support whilst we have encountered a second service suspension. It’s back to business from here on in and we look forward to welcoming new and existing passengers back on board.”
A full timetable and details of the fares are available at www.oxfordtube.com
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