Oxford Tube Services to Return from Monday 6th July 2020
- Oxford Tube service will return to a 7 day operation from Monday 6th July
- Services will run up to every 15 minutes during morning peak from Oxford
- Extensive measures in place to provide clean and safe bus services for passengers
- Reduced capacity and social distancing measures implemented in line with government guidelines
Stagecoach Oxfordshire is delighted to announce that the Oxford Tube service will return on Monday 6th July with a revised timetable.
The temporary timetable will operate 7 days a week and will start with a reduced timetable, whilst still providing frequent departures in the peaks.
The express service which runs direct from Thornhill through to Baker Street will not operate whilst the temporary timetable is in place.
Following the government’s guidance to stay at home and stop all non-essential travel, all Oxford Tube services were temporarily suspended after Sunday 5th April. Since this date Stagecoach has been listening to its customers through social and customer media channels and conducted research at the start of June to look at the right time to bring the coaches back in to service to meet the needs of its loyal customers.
Over the same period, the coaches have been thoroughly deep-cleaned and are undergoing maintenance and pre-service checks in advance of going into service. Drivers have also undergone new training in order to familiarise themselves with the new measures in place.
All coaches have a protective screen to provide a physical barrier between the driver and passenger. Face masks are available for drivers should they need to leave the drivers cab and face shields have been provided to wear if close contact assistance is required. In line with government legislation, all passengers wishing to travel by coach are required to wear a face mask unless they are exempt from this ruling.
Stagecoach’s enhanced cleaning regime of its Oxford Tube coaches includes a full internal coach clean at either end of the route, with a particular focus on key touch points. Drivers will also be supplied with their own cleaning products to wipe down their cab before and after their shift.
Coaches will operate a one-way system, have clearly marked seats and will have some reduced capacity in line with the government guidelines on social distancing.
Chris Coleman, Managing Director at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, which manages the Oxford Tube, said: “The Oxford Tube team has worked very hard in developing a timetable that provides our passengers with a sufficient level of service whilst working with the reduced capacity needed to meet social distancing guidelines.
“We know the return of the Oxford Tube is highly anticipated for many and we are thrilled to be able to share this date with our customers.
“Our team of drivers have been eager to get back behind the wheel and out on the road and I would like to thank all of our staff and customers for their continued patience, support and resilience.
“Public transport will continue to play a crucial role in the country’s recovery ahead. As well as helping to restart our economy, it is vital in bringing normality back to many areas of our daily lives, keeping families and communities connected and contributing towards a safer, cleaner and healthier nation.”
A full timetable is available at www.oxfordtube.com
