THAMES TRAVEL PASSENGER JOURNEYS BREAKS 3 MILLION BARRIER FOR FIRST TIME

More than 3 million passengers took journeys on Thames Travel buses in Oxfordshire last year.

The record number of passengers represents continued growth for Thames Travel and reflects its significant investment in improving services. It is more than 200,000 more passenger journeys compared to the previous 12 months. Overall Thames Travel experienced an 8 per cent uplift in passenger growth and the growing Connector brand a 15 per cent increase in 2019.

Thames Travel delivered improved connectivity to prime business parks and employment hubs across the year, as a key part of its growth strategy. This saw a £1M investment in a new fleet of six ultra-low emission (Euro VI) vehicles to launch the Science Transit Shuttle service connecting key sites in Oxford to Harwell Campus last July. It also delivered new services between Abingdon and Culham Science Centre.

Additionally, Thames Travel introduced Football Specials to Oxford United from Didcot and Abingdon, and the Oxford to Didcot night bus has gone from strength to strength.

Phil Southall, Thames Travel Managing Director, said: “The increase in passenger growth on our Thames Travel services is encouraging after significant investment in the fleet and branding, along with introducing new routes, improved timetables and ticketing. It also demonstrates the value of bus services to the overall economic well-being of the county. This investment has helped people get to work and created new employment opportunities at Thames Travel.

“A key part of our strategy has been continuing to invest in supporting the economic growth of the county. This has been possible thanks to working in partnership with key stakeholders including the University of Oxford, Culham Science Centre, Taylor Wimpey, Ridgeway Education Trust, Oxfordshire County Council and GWR. This year we also moved our depot to Didcot, further demonstrating our commitment to the region.”

Thames Travel’s fleet of buses are low emission vehicles (Euro V or better) and it is the third largest bus operator in Oxfordshire.