Oxford News
Oxford bus firm has vital solution to rising fuel costs
The bus company is among many businesses facing the impact of soaring fuel prices as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.
The United States’ campaign of strikes against Iran has led to fuel supplies being limited, following the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route.
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The increased cost to the bus company would be worse if it didn’t operate a significant number of electric buses.
There are now 110 electric buses running out of its city depot serving Oxford, while buses on routes to towns including Abingdon, Didcot and Wantage are diesel powered.
An Oxford Bus Company spokesperson said: “We understand there is a lot of concern around fuel costs and we would like to remind people that most of our bus fares are currently capped via the Government’s £3 fare cap scheme.
“Our group tickets, multi-journey passes and period passes all offer tremendous value for money, and through our partnership with Oxfordshire County Council can offer the great value MyBus Oxfordshire tickets, which are valid on all buses in Oxfordshire – as well as to destinations such as Reading, Newbury and Cheltenham.
“We’re also experiencing continued patronage growth on the park and ride as people embrace it as a more sustainable way to visit Oxford, with free bus travel available with a valid parking ticket.
“Our city fleet is fully electric, yet we do require fuel for most of our other services and we are working hard to ensure our services remain great value for money despite cost pressures.”
Last month, the bus company announced 13 new electric buses will soon be on Oxfordshire’s roads following an investment of more than £5.1m.
The Go-Ahead Group, the parent business of the Oxford Bus Company, has spent £3.9m, backed by a £1.2m investment from Oxfordshire County Council via its Vehicle Improvement Fund grant scheme, which utilises some of the £10m in funding awarded to Oxfordshire by central government to improve bus services in the county.
The investment is enabling Oxford Bus Company to expand its fleet of electric buses.
The company is rolling out nine new large electric single-deckers and four smaller electric single-deckers on routes extending outside the Oxford SmartZone, with the first tranche of vehicles already in service.
The buses, which have been produced by UK-based manufacturers Wrightbus and Alexander Dennis, will serve the 35 route to Abingdon, 46 to Great Milton, ST2 to Wytham, and the 21 service between Bicester and Chesterton.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company, said following the announcement: “This further investment is the result of strong partnership working and improving traffic conditions in Oxford, thanks to schemes including the county’s temporary congestion charge and the successful introduction of free travel on the park and ride.”
Running from 10am to 2pm, the event will be held across multiple venues, including the Guildhall, Market Place, St Nicholas Church, and Unit 25.
Organised by Abingdon Town Council, the day will give the public a chance to discover and get involved with the wide range of clubs and organisations active in the area.
Groups taking part include The Ramblers and The Rotary Club, as well as many others covering a broad range of interests.
Thames Valley Police will also have a presence on the day, with PCSO Ali Blood attending as part of community engagement.
PCSO Blood said: “Please do stop me if you would like a chat or to just say hello.”
More information is available at abingdon.gov.uk.
Shiplake Lock, between Shiplake and Lower Shiplake on the edge of Oxfordshire, was closed ‘until further notice’ after a barge crashed into the lock gate on Tuesday, April 7.
One witness to the scene said it “looks like there’s significant damage” caused by the impact, and the Environment Agency said it would be shut to all river used for the foreseeable future.
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An update issued by the agency said the damage to the lock has now been inspected by a contractor, but more work is required before it can be reopened.
A provisional reopening date for the lock has been announced as Thursday, April 16.
This is to allow a crew on a floating pontoon and crane assembly to attend on Wednesday, to partially life the lock gate and put it a back into position.
A statement from the Environment Agency said: “Our contractor has been on site inspecting the underwater elements of the lock and have confirmed that no damage was observed.
“It was not possible, however, to inspect the area fully due to the location of the lock gate.
“A floating pontoon and crane assembly is planned to be mobilised to Shiplake Lock on Wednesday, April 15. This will be used to partially lift the lock gate and relocate it back into position.
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“Once the gate has been secured, Environment Agency staff will operate the gates and inspect for any further operational issues.
“If none are observed, the lock will be re-opened to traffic on Thursday, April 16.
“We apologise for any inconvenience that this notice causes and thank you for your patience during this time.”
A man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation in Rugby, near Northampton, on Thursday, April 9, and taken into custody in Banbury.
He has been released on police bail while the ‘investigation continues’.
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It comes as the third arrest in an “ongoing and complex” investigation into “fraudulent insurance claims for high performance vehicles”, police said.
Two suspects were arrested at Birmingham Airport last week as part of the same investigation.
They have also been released on police bail while “enquiries are completed” and a case can be built to provide evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service.
If the service decides there is sufficient evidence and grounds to take the men to caught, they could be charged with a criminal offence.
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