New enhanced route to connect The Oxford Science Park and Oxford hospitals

Oxford Bus Company has bolstered its network across the city with the addition of a new route from the city centre to The Oxford Science Park, the Churchill and John Radcliffe Hospitals, and Park & Ride sites at Redbridge and Thornhill.

Following a tendering exercise, Oxfordshire County Council has awarded the contract for orbital service 600 to Oxford Bus Company from Sunday 3rd May.

Oxford Bus Company has listened to feedback received from bus passengers, and will be restoring buses around the Churchill Hospital grounds, with direct access to the bus stops by the main entrance, Sobell House and east entrance. Additionally, for commuters and visitors to The Oxford Science Park, service 600 will run to Frideswide Square for direct access to the rail station seven days a week.

The service runs from Oxford Rail Station and city centre via Abingdon Road, Redbridge Park & Ride, The Oxford Science Park, Kassam Stadium, Greater Leys, Cowley, the Churchill and John Radcliffe Hospitals, before continuing to Thornhill Park & Ride.

Within Cowley, buses will also run along Horspath Road, providing additional connectivity from this area to the Headington hospitals as well as major employment sites at ARC Oxford and The Oxford Science Park.

The route is half-hourly Monday to Saturday during the daytime, and hourly through the evenings and on Sundays.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “This orbital service is a fantastic addition to our network, connecting several major employers in the city.

“It is an important link for commuters, and we’re delighted to have been awarded the tender.

“We’ve enhanced and improved the route, and passengers should note the adjusted timetable before travelling.”

Lisa Hofen, Chief Estates and Facilities Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We welcome the introduction of this enhanced bus service, which will improve connectivity to the Churchill Hospital site.

“Reliable and accessible public transport is hugely important for our patients, visitors and staff, helping people get to appointments more easily and supporting our workforce to travel to and from work.

“Better links to our hospitals are a real positive and will help reduce car journeys while improving the overall experience for those using our services.”

Passengers using the 600 service are able to make use of free Park & Ride bus travel, with the initiative extended until at least the end of May. Free Park & Ride travel was first introduced in October on a trial basis in conjunction with Oxfordshire County Council’s temporary congestion charge.

To claim a free return ticket on the Park & Ride network, customers must show a valid parking ticket to their bus driver. Up to two adults and three children are then able to claim free travel.

Oxford Park & Ride sites are located at Redbridge, Seacourt, Thornhill, Pear Tree and Oxford Parkway. Parking is just £2.50 for up to 16 hours.