Stagecoach is to resume its Oxford Tube service, which has been suspended since Christmas Eve 2020 due to travel restrictions imposed by the government.
A statement on the Oxford Tube website said: “We are delighted to announce that the Oxford Tube service will return on Monday 29 March with a revised timetable. This follows the publication of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown which includes the lifting of local travel restrictions and the re-phased opening of retail and hospitality.
“The temporary timetable will operate seven days a week with a frequency from Oxford to London of up to every 10 minutes during peak times Monday to Friday, an average 20 minute frequency throughout the day and up to every 12 minutes at weekends. Two express services will operate between Thornhill P&R and Baker Street and back on weekdays. Reduced on board capacity will remain in place as will social distancing measures.
“To reflect the fact that capacity remains restricted and coach services do not qualify for the same level of government support as bus services, all single and return fares will increase by £2 with the exception of child fares. Although increasing, single and return fares remain lower that the fares in place prior to the significant fare promotion launched in October 2018, which later saw those fares become permanent.
“Child fares will fall by £1 and the current ‘kids go free’ offer which sees up to two children travel for free with a fare-paying adult will be removed. This is to off-set the reduction in capacity which will remain in place until social distancing restrictions are lifted.
“Thank you once again to all of our staff and customers for their continued patience and support whilst we have encountered a second service suspension. It’s back to business from here on in and we look forward to welcoming new and existing passengers back on board!”
