Back to bus campaign launched in Oxfordshire to support COVID-19 bounce back

Bus operators Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and Stagecoach have joined forces to help residents return to using buses this September, including offering 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, is designed to coincide with the latest phase of recovery from the pandemic. September will see the return of university students to physical lectures, pupils going back to school, workers returning from furlough and many employers taking the next steps in relaxing their “work from home” guidance to encourage employees back to the office for at least part of the week.

The special offer on 12 trip tickets should encourage people to swap private vehicles for buses for their commute, and joint social media campaigns with positive messages on the benefits of taking the bus will also take place.

The month-long campaign will culminate on World Car Free Day on September 22 when all residents in Oxfordshire will be encouraged to leave their private vehicles at home and use buses to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions and enhance air quality.

Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel Managing Director said: “More and more people are already coming back to bus and we hope to welcome back more passengers this month. September is a big month for us to better understand what the “new normal” is, so we can plan our services for the future with more clarity. Bus travel remains one of the most sustainable modes of transport and is key to improving congestion and air quality in our communities.”

Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director at Stagecoach West, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Oxfordshire’s local councils to promote the huge benefits that bus travel offers to the community. Buses play a vital role in keeping Oxfordshire residents connected to the things that matter to them and offer a cheaper, more convenient, and more environmentally friendly alternative to car travel.

“As part of the campaign, we will be offering 30 percent off our 12-trip ticket in Oxfordshire throughout September. The ticket can be used for any 12 journeys, making it a perfect option for those returning to the workplace on a part-time basis. We can’t wait to welcome more passengers on board and support residents to return gradually and safely to work, school, and leisure activities.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “As a regular bus user myself, I know how important our bus network is to our city. As more people start going back to workplaces or enjoying all that the city centre has to offer, I want to reassure you that the public transport system is available and safe to use. There are so many benefits to leaving a car at home and catching the bus. It’s better for our health, it’s good for our air, cuts congestion and makes our streets and roads safer for everybody. Come and join us on the bus!”

Councillor Tim Bearder, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet member for Highways Management, said: “The county council is strongly supportive of all means to enable the safe return of our residents to education and work in a sustainable way. Public transport is one of the core services that keeps the economy and way of life moving in Oxfordshire. It forms a vital pillar of our goals to reduce congestion and will be fundamental in our economic recovery from the pandemic. We encourage our residents to move back to travelling by bus wherever possible.”