Oxford Bus Company
About
The Oxford Bus group of companies has connected passengers across Oxford, South Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Reading since 1881. They also operate express coach services from Oxford to Heathrow and Gatwick. The Group’s fleet consists of around 280 buses and coaches across three depots (Oxford, Didcot and High Wycombe).
Since acquiring City Sightseeing Oxford in December 2017, they have also provided high quality open top bus tours for visitors to the city. They provide employment for over 800 people throughout the region.
Team Members
Phil Southall
Managing Director
Andrew Morison
Head of Customer Experience
Content
Inaugural Oxfordshire bus summit sets out opportunities to improve transport connectivity
The opportunity for Oxfordshire to achieve a net-zero transportation system will be explored in the county’s inaugural Bus Summit on Friday.
Oxford Bus Company reveals latest charity bus
The Oxford Bus Company has launched its latest bus backing local good causes, with the rear of a double-decker emblazoned in Be Free Young Carers’ branding.
Airline service to Gatwick Airport returning to hourly
Oxford Bus Company has announced the frequency of its service to Gatwick Airport is returning to every hour.
Oxford Bus Group announce interim C-Suite team restructure
The Oxford Bus Group has announced an interim change to its director level team.
Bus service revamped to connect Oxford to Great Milton and Le...
A regular bus link between Oxford and Great Milton village will return – after a six-year absence.
Passengers return to Airline service as demand for international travel increases
Oxford Bus Company has confirmed patronage on its Airline service to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports has grown to 75% of pre-pandemic levels.
Oxford Bus Company launches latest ‘Brand the Bus’ with Restore
The Oxford Bus Company has launched its latest bus backing local good causes, with a double-decker wrapped in mental health charity Restore’s branding.
Blenheim Palace launch free shuttle service with Oxford Bus Company
Blenheim Palace has partnered with Oxford Bus Company to provide visitors with a sustainable travel service to the tourist attraction.
Oxford Bus and sister companies reward staff excellence in Really Amazing...
The Oxford Bus Company and its sister companies Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and City Sightseeing Oxford celebrated the achievements of its staff through the return of its ‘The Really Amazing Awards’ ceremony held at the prestigious Ashmolean Sculpture Gallery.
Bus operators back Walk to Work Day to boost health
Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel are encouraging motorists to consider a minor change in their travel habits to help make a difference on Walk to Work Day.
Successful funding bid set to bring 159 electric buses to Oxfordshire
A fleet of 159 state of the art electric buses is set to serve Oxford and its surrounding areas after a bid for government funding was approved.
Bus workers support Ukrainian humanitarian effort
Oxfordshire’s top bus operators are encouraging colleagues to wear the colours of the Ukrainian flag to work to help raise funds for the nation’s relief mission.
Taking Care of Every Journey: Oxford Bus Company’s Sustainability Report
The bus industry has continued to face significant challenges as we bounce back from the pandemic. While keeping our colleagues and customers safe has remained a key priority, we have strongly focused on diversification to ensure we rebuild better from the impact of the pandemic.
Airline service bouncing back as all UK travel restrictions lifted
Oxford Bus Company has announced it is increasing the frequency of its Airline service to Heathrow after all UK entry restrictions ended.
Bus operators hit significant sustainability milestone
Oxfordshire’s leading bus operators have produced 1 million kilowatt hours of green electricity from solar panel arrays at their depots.
The Airline offers Ukrainian refugees free travel to Oxford from Heathrow...
Oxford Bus Company is to let Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK free travel on its Airline service.
Bus manager Clarisse Garcia celebrates International Women’s Day 2022
Oxford Bus Company Retail Manager Clarisse Garcia has spoken of her pride in working in the bus industry, as part of the International Women’s Day 2022 celebrations.
Bus operators encourage people to get back on services after Government...
Oxfordshire’s leading bus operators today welcomed the news of extended government funding that will help the industry continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oxford Bus Company hosting engagement events for Bus and Coach Driver...
Oxford Bus Company is holding open events for the public to discover more about bus and coach driving opportunities.
Oxford SmartZone announces fare changes
Oxford SmartZone has announced that fares will be changing from 27th February 2022. This is the first time that fares have been increased in two years and the changes represent the rising costs across the bus industry.
Bus operators appeal for funding extension to avoid further withdrawals
Oxfordshire’s leading bus operators have issued an urgent appeal for further government recovery funding – to avoid significant cuts to services.
Oxford Bus Company employees benefit from Oxford Living Wage
Oxford Bus Company has renewed its commitment to paying the Oxford Living Wage. The Company has been accredited as an Oxford Living Wage Employer by Oxford City Council for the third year running.
Park&Ride bus travel and parking ticketing combo launched
Regular visitors to Oxford travelling on the park&ride will now benefit from a combined bus and parking season ticket for the first time.
Restore wins Oxford Bus Company ‘Brand The Bus’ competition
Mental health charity scoops first prize to have an entire bus branded in its colours, with second place charity Be Free Young Carers to receive advertising space on a bus rear.
Oxford Bus Company reveal annual haul of items by passengers
The Oxford Bus Company has revealed the unusual items which were left on its services by passengers last year.
Bus drivers wear Christmas jumpers to spread some festive cheer
Oxfordshire Bus drivers are getting into the festive spirit by donning Christmas jumpers throughout December.
Oxford Bus Company ‘Brand the Bus’ finalists announced
The public vote for the latest Oxford Bus Company’s ‘Brand the Bus’ competition has now closed and ten good causes have been nominated for the grand finale.
Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel announce festive services
The Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel have announced their timetables for the festive period.
Bus operators launch 12 days of Christmas campaign
Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel have launched a “12 Days of Christmas” campaign to help support local businesses in Oxford City.
One week to go to vote in brand the bus competition
The public have one week left to cast their votes in the Oxford Bus Company ‘Brand the Bus’ competition, to have a say in which good cause could be displayed on a double-decker.
Christmas Light Bus returns by popular demand
Oxford Bus Company has announced its ‘Christmas Light Bus’ is returning to help spread some festive cheer again this year.
Oxford Bus Company running Christmas and Boxing Day services to airports
The Oxford Bus Company will operate a festive service to both Heathrow and Gatwick Airports this Christmas.
Oxford Bus Company issues final call for ‘Brand The Bus’ votes
The public have until the end of November to cast their votes in the Oxford Bus Company ‘Brand the Bus’ competition, to have a say in which good cause will have its livery on a double-decker next.
Bus drivers complete gruelling challenge for Sobell House
Bus driving duo Mark Temple and Guy Powell swapped their driving cabs for the open road to fundraise for Sobell House.
Extra buses for Oxford Round Table’s Charity Fireworks Display
The Oxford Bus Company has teamed up with The Oxford Round Table to provide vital transport links for the return of its popular charity fireworks display.
Final call to enter the Brand The Bus Competition
Good causes have one week left to enter Oxford Bus Company’s ‘Brand the Bus’ competition, to be in with a chance to design their own livery and have it emblazoned on a double decker.
Switch off home working and commute by bus to reduce carbon...
Research has revealed an average employee that works from home all year round produces 80% more carbon emissions than an office worker.
‘Bus driving provided me with the perfect career change,’ says former...
A Thames Travel bus driver who served in the British Army for more than two decades has described her career change as the “perfect way” to balance civilian life.
Discover things that go bump in the night in Oxford
Visitors to Oxford can now experience the spooky secrets of the city via a newly launched ghost walking tour.
Oxfordshire celebrated as champion for local energy innovations on COP26 bus...
Oxfordshire has been heralded as a local energy champion in the fight against climate change as the UK prepares to host the COP26 summit next month.
Oxfordshire residents returning to buses as the county bounces back
Oxfordshire residents responded to a campaign to encourage people back onto buses, with a reported 20% increase in bus use last month.
Oxford Bus Company intern Adam keeps it in the family
The nephew of one of Oxford Bus Company’s former long serving employees is following in his uncle’s footsteps, after joining the organisation’s internship scheme.
Back To The Bus
Phil Southall is the hugely experienced Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and City Sightseeing Oxford.
Bus operators back world car free day
Oxfordshire residents are being encouraged to take the bus on World Car Free Day on Wednesday.
Deadline to enter Oxford Bus Company ‘Brand The Bus’ competition extended
Oxford Bus Company has extended its deadline for good causes to enter its Brand the Bus competition.
Make the change on World Car Free Day
Oxford Bus Company’s Managing Director, Phil Southall, explains the importance of giving the bus a go on World Car Free Day on Wednesday 22nd September. Not only are there health benefits for individuals, but the environment benefits from having less cars on the road.
Commute & Reconnect
Are you hybrid working and returning to the office a few days a week?
Travel with Confidence
There are so many great benefits of catching the bus.
Charity launches therapy bus to support youngsters’ mental wellbeing
Oxfordshire based charity At The Bus this week launched its inaugural converted art therapy bus that will tour the county providing mental wellbeing support to youngsters.
Back to bus campaign launched in Oxfordshire to support COVID-19 bounce...
A big campaign has been launched in Oxfordshire to encourage people to return to using buses this month.
Oxford Bus Company employees donate almost £60,000 to Barnardo’s
Kind-hearted staff at Oxford Bus Company have donated almost £60,000 to children’s charity Barnardo’s.
Carousel Buses launch digital service for passengers to calculate CO2 savings...
Carousel Buses has launched a digital service that enables passengers to work out how much CO2 they save when travelling by bus, compared to driving.
Thames Travel match-day Oxford United bus service returns
Thames Travel in partnership with Oxford United is re-launching its ‘Football Special’ match-day bus services for U’s fans.
Oxford Bus Company Airline Services Taking Off
International travel is bouncing back, with Oxford Bus Company’s Airline coach service to Heathrow and Gatwick airports experiencing growing passenger numbers.
Oxford Bus Company launch another branded bus for a local charity
Two ponies paid Oxford Bus Company a special visit this week to celebrate the unveiling of a double-decker emblazoned in a riding charity’s branding.
Thames Travel re-launch weekend night bus services
Thames Travel is re-launching its night bus services this weekend to support the return of the night-time economy.
Oxford Bus Company launches eye catching double-decker for children’s brain tumour...
The Oxford Bus Company has launched its latest eye-catching bus backing good local causes, with a double-decker wrapped for Blue Skye Thinking.
Oxford Bus Company Airline service to Gatwick Airport returns
The Oxford Bus Company has announced its Airline coach services to Gatwick Airport will return on Monday.
Our Climate Change Strategy – and comment on the Government’s Decarbonising...
Today marks both the launch of our Group Climate Change Strategy, and the publication of the Government’s Decarbonising Transport Strategy – an exciting day on the journey towards Net Zero.
Hybrid workers embracing bus operators’ flexy ticket
Oxfordshire’s leading bus operators have issued a reminder flexible tickets are available for commuters who now travel to work part-time.
Thames Travel launches bus driver recruitment campaign as part of service...
Thames Travel has launched a new recruitment campaign that encourages people to consider bus driving as an alternative career to that they are currently engaged in.
The Oxford Bus Group: Stakeholder Update June 2021
Wow, a lot has happened since our last Stakeholder newsletter last September! When we last wrote to you, we were looking forward to supporting our community’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Park & Ride Saturday night service returns to boost Oxford visitor...
The Saturday evening timetable on Oxford Bus Company’s park&ride400 service is returning in a boost to the re-emerging night-time economy.
Bus operators increase on-board capacity to welcome passengers back
Leading Oxfordshire bus operators have increased on-board capacity of vehicles following the government’s easing of social distancing rules. Capacities on all Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel and City Sightseeing Oxford services have increased. All forward facing seating will now be available for passengers, meaning as demand for travel increases buses will be able to transport […]
Bus operators launch new and improved mobile phone App
The Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel have launched a revamped mobile app, to make travel even easier for passengers.
Oxford Bus Company help roll out new mobile Covid-19 testing service...
Oxford Bus Company is helping other areas tackle the COVID-19 pandemic across the country via specially converted buses.
Bus operators ready to welcome more passengers back on-board
Leading Oxfordshire bus operators today announced a range of further measures to welcome passengers back on-board.
Oxford Bus Company increase airline services to Heathrow Airport
The Oxford Bus Company has announced it will increase the frequency of its Airline coach service to Heathrow Airport from Monday.
Oxford Bus Company launches annual brand the bus competition for 2022
The Oxford Bus Company has launched its popular annual Brand the Bus competition – for a local charity or good cause to have its branding on a double-decker bus.
Bus operators launch mental health wellbeing initiative in mental health awareness...
Leading Oxfordshire bus operators have introduced a ‘wellbeing team’ to provide mental health support to colleagues.
Oxford Bus Company deliver chocolate boost to local food bank
Oxford Bus Company made a sweet delivery via Quality Street this week. But it is not a new road name in the county.
New customer facilities unveiled at Seacourt Park & Ride
A raft of brand-new customer friendly facilities have been opened at Seacourt Park & Ride to help welcome people back onto services.
Imagine Oxford without Park&Ride
Oxford has had Park&Ride since 1973 when the Redbridge site opened. Let’s remember why the concept was created back then. There were controversial proposals to build a road across Christchurch Meadow to resolve the City’s congestion problems and it was accepted that a ‘better way’ of managing transport demand had to be found.
Building back better transport for Oxford
On this edition of The Business Brunch, we are joined by guests Hayley Beer-Gamage, Chief Executive of Experience Oxfordshire, Dave Harrison, Senior Public Transport Planner from Oxfordshire County Council, Phil Southall, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company and Andy Morison Head of Customer Experience at Oxford Bus Company as they talk about how public transport has been affected, how it’s had to adapt to a pandemic world and what we need to do to attract the local and wider population back to Oxford.
Building Back Better Transport for Oxford
The last year has brought about enormous challenges to businesses across Oxfordshire and the world. Transport has been no exception, and in this episode of The Business Brunch Oxford’s transport and business leaders will discuss adapting to the new normal.
Building Back Better Transport for Oxford
The last year has brought about enormous challenges to businesses across Oxfordshire and the world. Transport has been no exception, and in this episode of The Business Brunch Oxford’s transport and business leaders will discuss adapting to the new normal.
Oxford Bus Company: Guiding you into 2021
Oxford Bus Company have been working especially hard to rebuild confidence in the safety of public transport so the public can get out and support the local economy.
Meet the Members: Oxford Bus Company
Oxford Bus Company has taken an agile approach to the challenges of 2020 in the face of rapidly changing demand, legislation and public sentiment.
Oxford is Safe & Open
With recent events understandably creating uncertainty in the minds of many, we asked representatives from Oxford Bus Company, Royal Cars and Westgate Shopping Centre to explain what measures they are taking to ensure that Oxford is Safe and Open.
Business Services & Tech Day
It’s Business Services & Tech Day at B4. So we’re highlighting some recent and not so recent articles and press releases posted by B4 members over the past year or so.
How clean is your transport?
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all had to deal with a lot of “complex messages” on what we should and shouldn’t be doing to manage the risk of coming into contact with the Coronavirus.
The Oxford Bus Group: 2020 Corporate and Social Responsibility Report
We are pleased to be able to circulate The Oxford Bus Group’s 2020 Sustainability Report entitled ‘Taking Care of Every Journey’.
Why fixing congestion is just as important as technology in decarbonising...
At Oxford Bus Company, we have a vision. A vision of a zero-carbon future – where buses powered by renewable energy help everyone get around quickly and efficiently, in a city with world-beating air quality, and with vibrant and liveable streets.
Sustainable Public Transport Solutions for Business in a New World with...
In these strange times we live in your employees may have worries about using public transport.
Park and Ride free parking offer
Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council are providing free parking at all Oxford’s five Park and Ride sites throughout August.
Read the Oxford Bus Company Stakeholder Newsletter
Please find attached the latest edition of our Stakeholder newsletter to keep you informed of what is happening at Oxford Bus, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and City Sightseeing Oxford.
Interview with Phil Southall of Oxford Bus Company
Emma Gascoigne speaks with Phil Southall of Oxford Bus Company.
Oxford Bus Company COVID-19 special
I’m writing to you during these unprecedented times to let you know that our three main priorities are to safeguard the health & wellbeing of our colleagues and customers; to play our role in society during these challenging times; and to safeguard the future of our company.
Bus operators review services to adapt to passenger demand amid COVID-19...
The Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel are set to temporarily reduce services as part of its response to the fast-moving COVID-19 pandemic.
Oxfordshire’s Business Community take note
Business specific services are becoming an increasingly established element of the company’s impressive portfolio, but they need more support.
Airline service investment
This year we invested £3.5 million upgrading our Airline fleet with 11 new, high specification, Mercedes Tourismo coaches. This service consists of 16 coaches in total and operates 24/7 365 days every year between Oxford and Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
PickMeUp Goes Live
Passengers in the “Eastern Arc” of Oxford can summon minibuses to pick them up on a street corner of their choice, thanks to a ground-breaking on-demand ride-sharing service launched by The Oxford Bus Company.