Banbury set to see increase in Stagecoach bus services

Stagecoach has confirmed it will be increasing its local bus services across Oxfordshire from Sunday March 7 to account for the re-opening of schools and in preparation for the gradual easing of restrictions following the release of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

The majority of services will return to the timetables in place at the beginning of the year which largely mirrored the service running’s prior to the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.

Enhanced cleaning of all of Stagecoach services continues, as does reduced on board capacity, and the requirement to wear a face covering throughout your journey.

Karen Coventry, Commercial Director for Stagecoach Oxfordshire said: "The government’s four-step roadmap offering a route back to a more normal life was welcomed news for everyone and we are delighted to be able to look forward and return most of our services to their usual frequencies.

“Whilst we anticipate some passengers may still be cautious of using public transport, we’d like to reassure our customers that the extensive enhanced cleaning measures we implemented nearly 12 months ago are still in place. Reduced capacity is also still being adhered to in order to keep everyone on board safe and ensure people can feel confident about travelling by bus.”

Updated timetables and key information available at: https://www.stagecoachbus.com/coronavirusIn the Bicester area, changes made to routes 26, 29 and H5 at the end of January remain in place, including the current temporary diversion to route 27, which has merged with service 28 while roadworks are carried out on Bicester Road towards Launton. Following conversations with Northamptonshire Council, service 505 will continue to operate a 2-hourly service until further notice.

The Oxford Tube coach service to London, which halted its services on Christmas Eve last year, remains suspended whilst the Government’s ‘stay at home’ rule is still in place.

Stagecoach Oxfordshire are preparing the new fleet ahead of the service’s return whose introduction to service was short-lived in November 2020 because of the suspension. An announcement regarding the return of the Oxford Tube is expected soon.