Oxford Bus Company’s Park & Ride service has transported over three million passengers since the Westgate shopping centre opened a year ago.
This represents an additional 50,000 journeys over the previous 12 months.
The passenger growth follows significant investment in the Park & Ride service ahead of the opening of the shopping centre last year.
Improvements included the introduction of a single ticket solution to cover parking costs and bus fares, new payment machines, and new bus shelters and stops in the city centre.
This followed the introduction of distinctive purple Park & Ride branding and new signage, making it easier for passengers to identify their stops.
Ahead of the Westgate opening, the Oxford Bus Company also invested in training for its 80 Park & Ride staff to enable them to act as ambassadors for the shopping centre and the city.
Phil Southall, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said: “The increase in passenger growth on our Park & Ride services is encouraging after significant investment in the fleet and branding, along with improved timetables, ticketing and staff training.
“The Park & Ride sites are the gateway to the city, providing excellent value for money and a one-stop solution for travelling into Oxford.
“We committed to providing a world-class welcome to Oxford before the opening of the new Westgate centre, and this has been demonstrated by our multi-million-pound investment in the Park &
Ride service, which has been well received by passengers.
“The Westgate has enhanced the city centre and we’re proud to continue to play a key role in this exciting time in Oxford.”
