New Football Special routes added to Oxford United match-day bus network

Oxford Bus Group is launching additional routes for its Oxford United Football Specials services this season.

Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Pulhams will operate a raft of match-day services this season, as the U’s play in the Championship for the first time in 25 years. Bicester and Thame have been added to its match-day services to expand the network, and additional capacity has been added to popular routes including Didcot and Carterton.

The Football Specials services provide a crucial link to the Kassam Stadium for football supporters from across Oxfordshire. And in a further boost for United fans the fares for match day services are still included in the Government’s bus fare cap scheme. It means adults will pay just £2 for a single bus fare. The services will operate for all league matches and selected cup games.

Thames Travel will operate two buses for every game on its OX2 service connecting fans from Didcot, Great Western Park, Steventon, Drayton and Abingdon to the Kassam Stadium. It will also operate two buses on the new OX5 service connecting fans from Glory Farm, Bicester North Station, Bicester town centre and Bicester Park&Park to the stadium. Plus, the OX7, providing fans in Kidlington, Summertown, Marston, Headington and Cowley with services to the Kassam Stadium.

Pulhams will operate two buses for each game on the OX3 for supporters living in Carterton, Brize Norton, Curbridge, Witney, Eynsham and Botley. While Oxford Bus Company will operate the new OX8 service to connect fans from Thame, Tiddington, Wheatley, Thornhill Park&Ride and Risinghurst to the Kassam Stadium.

Passengers using Oxford Bus Company’s 3A city service can also travel from Oxford, Iffley, Rose Hill, Littlemore, Sandford and Cowley to a stop just outside the Kassam Stadium. While the 5 service connects Oxford rail station, Oxford city centre to Cowley to Blackbird Leys.

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Pulhams, Managing Director said: “It’s great to have expanded our Football Special network in partnership with Oxford United to help more fans reach matches sustainably this season.

“The club surveyed supporters to assess potential need for the new routes and the research concluded there was demand for services from Bicester and Thame, so we’re launching them and hope fans support this initiative.

“The Football Special services are an important community asset and help supporters to attend matches and support their local club safely, while helping reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

“We’re looking forward to seeing our Football Special services back on the road this weekend and wish Oxford United all the best for the season ahead.”
More information is available here: https://www.oxfordbus.co.uk/oufc-football-services

ENDS