A transport initiative valued at £2 million has delivered fresh vehicles and expanded connections throughout sections of Oxfordshire.
Go Thames Valley has rolled out the newest enhancements in Bicester and surrounding communities, with backing from the county council.
The fleet now includes six new double-decker models alongside a single-decker vehicle, all produced by Alexander Dennis.
Each bus comes equipped with wireless internet capability, USB power outlets, and a contactless payment system.
According to Luke Marion, the company’s managing director, the organisation is delighted to establish improved connections for bus users in the Bicester region.
These new routes align with the company’s broader mission to strengthen the transport network across Oxfordshire through regular frequencies and updated schedules.
The operator takes particular satisfaction in introducing consistent daytime coverage for Chesterton, ensuring the village receives vital public transport access.
Marion expressed gratitude toward the county council for collaborating on these service improvements.
The upgrades follow recent commercial successes and commenced operation on September 20.
They bring increased frequency and enhanced interchange options throughout the area.
The route 21 has moved from Oxford Bus Company’s operations to Thames Travel, now providing supplementary daytime trips.
Its initial weekday departure now originates from Bowmont Square rather than Chesterton.
Chesterton now benefits from a freshly created route, numbered 25, granting the village its first consistent daytime bus service in numerous years.
The 25 and 25A services emerged from collaboration with the county council, merging Thames Travel’s existing 25 with segments of Stagecoach routes H5 and 29 to establish a more integrated network.
The 25 provides hourly connections between Upper Heyford and John Radcliffe Hospital, travelling via Heyford Park, Chesterton, Bicester, and Ambrosden.
Extended evening operations run between Bicester, Heyford Park, and Upper Heyford, with the final departure from Bicester Village Station at 23:00.
The combined 25 and 25A routes provide as many as two buses each hour linking Upper Heyford, Bicester, and Ambrosden.
Travellers should note that roadworks in Islip and Heyford Park could impact journeys on the new 25 and 25A routes over the coming months.
Stagecoach maintains Sunday operations connecting Upper Heyford, Bicester, and Upper Arncott.
Councillor Gareth Epps, the county council’s transport portfolio holder, noted that these enhancements stand to motivate greater bus usage among residents in the northern part of the county for additional trips.
Restoring services to Chesterton and re-establishing a direct link between Heyford Park and Oxford represent achievements of particular significance.
Alongside the preservation of the Bicester Bee routes for local communities, this demonstrates the strong collaborative relationship between the council and bus operators in making public transport more practical for regular users and those seeking alternatives to private vehicles.