15 January 2010
Oxford's two main bus operators and Oxfordshire County Council
have announced a blueprint for a new greener bus network for the
city.
The ground-breaking agreement, the first of its kind in the UK,
is the result of months of planning between Oxford Bus Company,
Stagecoach and transport officers from Oxfordshire County
Council.
It is the latest element of the County Council's Transform
Oxford plans and will deliver a better environment for pedestrians
and people using public transport.
Planned to go live in autumn 2010, the new sustainable bus
network will deliver
- £10million investment in new state-of-the-art low
emission buses
- A new multi-operator integrated smartcard ticketing system,
allowing passengers to use either company's services with the same
ticket
- Convenient, turn-up-and-go high-frequency bus services on the
city's four key corridors
- An efficient, accessible and co-ordinated package of
services
- More seats using fewer buses by switching to high-quality
double-decker vehicles
- Better information and faster boarding for bus
passengers
Oxford has one of the highest levels of bus use in the UK, with
around 50 per cent of all journeys in and around the city being
made by bus. As well as significantly improving the travelling
experience for existing bus users, the new package of improvements
will provide scope for more people to switch from car to bus,
delivering safer, cleaner and less congested streets around
Oxford.
A national first
It is understood to be the first use of new powers under the
Local Transport Act 2008 designed to enable more effective
partnership working between local transport authorities and bus
operators to deliver more co-ordinated bus services.
Steve Howell, Head of Transport, Oxfordshire County Council,
said: "This ground-breaking agreement is a first for the UK and is
another important milestone in delivering our vision to transform
the centre of Oxford for everyone using the city. It will ensure
cleaner, safer streets, better air quality and a sustainable bus
network for the future. We aim to have a quarter less buses on the
High Street, delivering a significant cut in carbon emissions."
Philip Kirk, Managing Director, Oxford Bus Company, said:
"Oxford already has one of the highest quality bus networks in the
country and this joint multi-million investment will give the city
the most modern and hi-tech bus fleet in Europe. We support the
County Council's plans to enhance the city centre. Our plans will
make bus travel better and our services easier to use."
Martin Sutton, Managing Director, Stagecoach Oxfordshire, said:
"Our partnership blueprint is a winning package for Oxford will
deliver a greener, smarter bus network. We will be able to offer
faster, more integrated travel using 21st century smartcard
ticketing technology. Providing more seats using fewer buses will
be better for the environment and the increased capacity will
ensure we have the scope to attract more people out of their cars
as part of our efforts to tackle climate change.
Most advanced in Europe
Bus operators and Oxfordshire County Council are now working on
the detailed operational plans required to ensure a seamless
transition to the new network, including timetables, bus stops, and
passenger information.
The high-frequency turn-up-and-go bus network will cover London
Road, Cowley Road, Iffley Road and Banbury Road.
Smartcard technology will speed up boarding and allow passengers
to seamlessly use either Oxford Bus Company or Stagecoach services
without having to buy separate tickets.
The fleet of 45 new Euro 5 EEV (Enhanced
Environmentally-friendly Vehicle) double-decker buses will be
amongst the most advanced in Europe, delivering exceptionally high
environmental performance.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Phil Ashworth
Oxford Bus Company
Tel: 01865 785405