Oxfordshire residents responded to a campaign to encourage people back onto buses, with a reported 20% increase in bus use last month.
Bus operators Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Stagecoach joined forces to help residents return to using buses in September. It saw hundreds of people take advantage of an offer of 30% off the cost of 12 trip tickets purchased through the operator websites or app.
The campaign, backed by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, was designed to coincide with the latest phase of recovery from the pandemic. With university students returning to physical lectures, pupils back to school, workers returning from furlough and many employers taking the next steps in relaxing their “work from home” guidance bus operators experienced a positive increase in patronage.
Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel reported a 20% increase in overall passengers in September, following the month-long campaign. It means every three in four passengers have now returned to using buses compared to pre-COVID-19.
Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel Managing Director said: “It is great to see more people coming back to bus in recent weeks. September was an important month for us to better understand what the ‘new normal’ is to help us plan services with more clarity. The campaign was a success and we hope to continue to welcome more people back to bus. Bus travel is vital for our economy and remains one of the most sustainable modes of transport and is key to improving congestion and air quality in our communities.”
Oxford Bus Company has kept the people of Oxford moving since 1881. Its services span Oxfordshire including the city, Park&Ride and airline services. Its sister company Thames Travel operates in south Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
ENDS