7 new bus services launched for Oxford United fans

Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, both part of Go Thames Valley, will once again connect Oxford United supporters from across the county to Grenoble Road throughout the new League One campaign.

Thames Travel will operate the OX1, OX2, and OX5 services, connecting Wantage, Grove, Abingdon, Didcot, and Bicester with the Kassam Stadium, plus the OX3 and OX4 services which link U’s fans from Carterton, Brize Norton, Witney, Eynsham, Botley, and Burford to the ground.

Oxford Bus Company will take on operation of the OX7 service, which stops at Kidlington, Summertown, Marston, Headington, and Cowley, and will also continue the OX8 route, connecting Chinnor, Thame, Wheatley, Thornhill Park & Ride, and Risinghurst direct to the Kassam.

The U’s play their first home game of the new season on Saturday, August 15, and children will be able to travel free as part of a government scheme.

Go Thames Valley is supporting the initiative which allows children aged five to 15 to travel free throughout August, meaning youngsters can hop on the bus at no charge for the opening League One match of the season against MK Dons.

In a further boost for supporters, the current adult fare cap of £3 will reduce to just £2 from January as part of the government’s nationwide fare cap initiative.

This will make travelling to Oxford United home matches by bus even more affordable throughout the second half of the season.

READ MORE: Ger Haliwell left heartbroken after missing out on Pride and Prejudice mansion

A Stagecoach bus (Image: Stagecoach West)

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Go Thames Valley, said: “We’re pleased to continue our excellent partnership with Oxford United to provide our Football Special services this season.

“The demand from fans wanting to travel sustainably on matchdays remains high, and these buses provide an important link between communities across Oxfordshire and the Kassam Stadium.

“We’re also pleased to be providing free travel for children during August across our services, including the Oxford United matchday buses, and the £2 fare cap when it is introduced in January, helping make public transport even more accessible.

“Our relationship with the club continues to blossom and we wish everyone at the U’s all the best for the new season.”

In addition to the Football Special services, supporters can also travel to the Kassam Stadium using a number of regular local bus routes.

Oxford Bus Company’s 3A service serves the stadium from Oxford railway station and the city centre via Iffley, Rose Hill, and Littlemore, while the 5 service connects Oxford railway station and the city centre with Cowley and Blackbird Leys.

The recently improved 600 service also provides connections from Headington, Temple Cowley, Greater Leys, Redbridge Park & Ride, Abingdon Road, and the railway station.