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.

An electric bus run by Oxford Bus Company (Image: Fortitude Communications)

“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.

Oxford Bus Company managing director Luke Marion (Image: Fortitude Communications)

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.”