Thames Travel launches Science Park trial service
Thames Travel and The Oxford Science Park have today (8 January) launched a new trial bus service to improve connectivity to the science and technology centre.
The 3X service links Oxford city centre and Oxford rail station directly with The Oxford Science Park. It stops at St Aldates, Redbridge Park & Ride and Heyford Hill Sainsbury’s, with eight trips in each direction daily.
It is designed to deliver faster and more reliable transport links to the Science Park for its occupiers, visitors and the local communities. The operator says the new route further strengthens its long-term partnership between The Oxford Science Park, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, building on past collaborations on the 3a and PickMeUp demand responsive transport services.
The timetable is designed around commuting and lunch times and the route will initially operate for a three-month trial period, to allow demand to be better understood.
“The service will initially be operated on a three-month trial basis, so we’re encouraging people to give it a try” – Luke Marion, Thames Travel Managing Director
Luke Marion, Thames Travel Managing Director, said: “To have been awarded a new contract with The Oxford Science Park to trial the new 3X service makes us very proud. This long-term partnership has gone from strength to strength and it is great to work with a partner who is committed to encouraging modal shift, in turn enabling us to deliver better connectivity to The Oxford Science Park. The service will initially be operated on a three-month trial basis, so we’re encouraging people to give it a try.”
“The Park has been poorly served by public transport from some areas and providing a direct link to the hub at Redbridge and the railway station will open up alternatives to private car use” – Rory Maw, CEO of The Oxford Science Park
Rory Maw, CEO of The Oxford Science Park, said: “We are delighted to be investing in this important initiative, which will be of enormous benefit to our occupiers. The Park has been poorly served by public transport from some areas and providing a direct link to the hub at Redbridge and the railway station will open up alternatives to private car use. We continue to work with local bus service providers and the City and County councils to encourage more sustainable travel options.”
Thames Travel is part of Go-Ahead’s Oxford Bus Group which also includes Oxford Bus Company, Pulhams Coaches, Carousel Buses and CitySightseeing Oxford.