Passengers embrace new enhanced Iffley Road bus service

Oxford Bus Company has seen an increase in patronage of more than 20% from Littlemore and Sandford, since it introduced a more frequent service.

The operator improved its 3A service which operates between Oxford and Cowley via Iffley Road, to provide an enhanced service to Littlemore, Sandford, and Oxford Science Park from 23rd February.

And passengers have responded positively to the revised timetable, with a 22% uplift in people boarding buses in Littlemore and Sandford seen in the first 4 months of 2025, compared to the same period last year.

Since February, service 3A has operated every 15 minutes, rather than every half hour on weekdays between Oxford and Kassam Stadium. On Saturdays, the service has been enhanced to operate every 20 minutes, with the Sunday service doubled to every 30 minutes.

Oxford Bus Company introduced the changes to help make the routes quicker and more punctual in response to changing traffic conditions around the city, with support from Oxfordshire County Council.

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company managing director, said “We’ve had a fantastic response to our enhanced 3A service since it was launched earlier this year.

“We adjusted the 3A along with some other services in response to customer feedback and to try and help overcome increased congestion in Oxford and continue to provide a reliable network. So far, it’s made positive impact on journey times and punctuality and more passengers are embracing the enhanced service, particularly in Littlemore and Sandford.

"For many years, people in Littlemore have been telling us that they wanted better bus services, so it's encouraging to see more people choosing the bus following our latest round of improvements."

“The data further demonstrates that if all key stakeholders can work together to find and introduce more solutions to tackle congestion in Oxford more people will use public transport.”