Thames Travel invests in StreetDeck

Thames Travel has invested in an additional micro-hybrid bus.

The new Wrightbus StreetDeck is for use on the operator’s routes serving Milton Park in South Oxfordshire. It represents a £250,000 investment in the fleet.

The new vehicle’s micro-hybrid technology uses energy recovered under braking to recharge onboard batteries, helping to power the bus and extending the range of the Euro VI diesel engine. The new vehicle will have USB and wireless charging and comfortable high-back seating. Audio-visual next stop announcements will be used and free Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated wheelchair, luggage and buggy space will be provided.

Milton Park recently reported a 12% increase in the percentage of people choosing bus as their mode of transport to travel to and from the science and technology park. It follows a series of initiatives to make bus travel more attractive via a partnership between Thames Travel, Oxford Bus Company and Milton Park which launched in 2021. It included investing in improving bus connectivity to the park and the launch of the Milton Park occupier £20 annual bus pass.

Luke Marion, Thames Travel Managing Director, said: “This substantial investment represents further progress in our continued commitment to introduce more sustainable modes of transport. The growth in bus passenger numbers on our network serving Milton Park is an excellent success story that shows what can be achieved via partnerships and a shared vision.”