By Andrew Ffrench @OxMailAndyF Business reporter covering Didcot and Wallingford. Call me on 01865 425425
The River Rapids service Bus operators are introducing some reductions to services this month, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel confirmed additional changes to better match supply with passenger demand in line with government guidance during the lockdown period, while continuing to maintain sufficient capacity to enable social distancing on board. Buses in the High Street The timetables are designed to ensure essential key workers such as NHS staff, teachers and those working in food supply can still get to and from work.
This novelty animal mask was one of the bizarre items left by passengers on Oxford Bus Company buses in 2020. Among the posessions left on buses and coaches were a pair of Bermuda shorts, a novelty animal head, a Superman onesie and a pumpkin. During the Covid-19 pandemic face masks joined the ranks of the most common items left on vehicles along with mobile phones and umbrellas. Staff at the bus company customer services department recorded 1,920 lost items in 2020. Passengers reported 1,028 items lost and 328 items were returned. The volume of lost items was around two-thirds lower than the previous year due to the reduction in passenger numbers amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
A BUS crashed into the Westgate in Oxford after the driver suffered a ‘suspected medical episode’. An Oxford Bus Company spokesman confirmed the bus was involved in a ‘very low speed minor collision with the Westgate Oxford’ at about 8.15pm yesterday. The spokesman said the bus was not carrying any passengers and the driver was taken to hospital. An investigation will now take place and the spokesman wished his colleague a speedy recovery. South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) reported it sent an ambulance to the scene and the crew reported that the driver may have suffered a medical episode at the wheel.
OBC managing director with a park and ride bus Oxford Bus Company managing director Phil Southall said: “We have adjusted some of our park and ride services in response to current reduced demand during the latest lockdown. We are better matching supply to demand and continuing to provide vital connectivity for key workers. I’d like to thank colleagues for their incredible professionalism during this challenging time and our customers for their continued understanding.” Passengers wishing to travel to and from Redbridge will be able to use Thames Travel services X2 and ST1 or Oxford Bus Company City X3 services. These services provide up to eight buses per hour Monday to Fridays, six buses per hour on Saturdays, and four buses per hour on Sundays to and from the city centre.
Oxford Bus Company managing director Phil Southall said: “Thanks to all of the charities and good causes that entered and to everyone who took the time to vote. So many inspiring good causes made submissions, and it is a timely reminder there are many excellent organisations doing much vital work in our community.
The Home-Start Oxfordshire branded bus “The competition has gained in popularity attracting more public votes and we hope it has provided some positivity and a well-deserved boost during Covid-19. “As ever it will be a challenge to select the overall winner from such a strong short list.”