Oxford,
04
January
2023
|
12:13
Europe/London

Continued city bus services secured by council investment

Residents in two areas of Oxford will have continued access to bus services in the new year following action and investment by Oxfordshire County Council.

The council launched a tender process for new bus services following Oxford Bus Company’s announcement of its withdrawal of routes 9 to Risinghurst and 13 to Northway from 8 January 2023.

From 8 January, both areas will instead be served by Stagecoach route 14, which will operate up to half-hourly to Northway and hourly to Risinghurst seven days a week, keeping these communities connected to the city centre while also opening up new links to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital and railway station.

Old Marston will also see a benefit through an increase in frequency in the evenings and on Sundays. All services will be numbered 14, and the 14A number will no longer be in use.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said: "Public transport is one of this council’s policy priorities, so I am thrilled that we have acted swiftly to solve one of the many challenges facing our bus services.

“Without this investment, as well as our close working relationship with the bus companies, residents in areas of the city which rely most heavily on bus services might have been left without them. As the highways authority, we are proud that our commitment to public transport is resulting in positive action for the people who need it.”

Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director of Stagecoach West, said: “We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to support Oxfordshire County Council in maintaining a frequent bus service for residents in Northway and Risinghurst. We’re looking forward to welcoming new customers on board from 8 January.”

The main bus stops in the city centre for both Risinghurst and Northway will now be in George Street, rather than at the Westgate or St Aldates.

The full range of Stagecoach and SmartZone tickets, including return fares, will be available on the service – which will also be included in the £2 single fare cap scheme which began on 1 January.

Further information, including timetables and maps, are available on the Stagecoach website.

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