Oxford Tube has announced plans to replace and expand its fleet with brand new coaches this summer.
The £13 million investment, the biggest ever for Oxford, will introduce 34 brand new coaches and is the first major upgrade for the Oxford Tube service since 26 new vehicles were introduced in July 2014.
Customers of the premium coach service are set to benefit from the latest in passenger comfort with on board features including wireless and USB charging, reading lights and extendable tables complete with mobile device and cup holders throughout. This, in addition to extra leg room and reclining seats, ensures that the service can continue to offer the best customer experience.
New on board information screens will be fitted and used to keep customers up to date with changes to their journey and estimated times of arrival. Customers will also benefit from the enhanced complimentary WiFi service available throughout.
In addition, the new coaches have been designed to improve the service for those with additional accessibility needs with a more seamless boarding process for wheelchair users.
Fitted with Euro 6 engines which limit exhaust emissions, the new vehicles demonstrate Oxford Tube’s ongoing commitment to sustainable travel providing an intercity service connecting to many onward destinations.
In a further move to reduce emissions, 5 of the 34 coaches will be fitted with solar panels to deliver greater fuel efficiency.
The 34 Plaxton Panorama coaches are currently being built in the UK at Alexander Dennis and are due to be introduced into service in the Summer of 2020 and will continue to carry the iconic red branding, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
The 34 Plaxton Panorama coaches are currently being built in the UK at Alexander Dennis and are due to be introduced into service in the Summer of 2020 and will continue to carry the iconic red branding, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.
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| The last fleet renewal was in July 2014 when 26 new Van Hool TD927 Astromega's were introduced. The 2020 order is for 34 vehicles. |
Chris Coleman, Managing Director at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire said: " We are extremely excited to be able to share this news with our customers and our staff. Our teams have been working behind the scenes to ensure that every opportunity to enhance the customer experience has been taken.
Technology has moved forward so quickly and with the improvements being made to on board messaging and WiFi I am sure that both regular and new customers will be happy that we have taken on board their feedback for the new coaches.
“The new solar panels are an innovative way to look to other sources of energy to power the on board features and part of our overall strategy to offer more sustainable travel options for our customers.
“This year is proving to be an exciting one for the Oxford Tube. We recently introduced our express link via Baker Street and now we’re investing in a new state of the art fleet.
“The new coaches will offer customers the latest in comfort and design features will make the journey even more comfortable, enjoyable and convenient for those travelling with us.”
“The new solar panels are an innovative way to look to other sources of energy to power the on board features and part of our overall strategy to offer more sustainable travel options for our customers.
“This year is proving to be an exciting one for the Oxford Tube. We recently introduced our express link via Baker Street and now we’re investing in a new state of the art fleet.
“The new coaches will offer customers the latest in comfort and design features will make the journey even more comfortable, enjoyable and convenient for those travelling with us.”
About Oxford Tube
- Oxford Tube is a coach service for travel between Oxford and London. The service runs up to every 12 minutes and operates 24 hours a day.
- Coaches depart from Oxford City Centre, St Clements, Headington, Thornhill Park & Ride and Lewknor and stop at central points in London at Hillingdon, Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill Gate, Marble Arch and Victoria and Baker Street with easy connections to Underground stations.
- Each coach offers free 4G Wi-Fi, USB Power Sockets, reclining seats and extra legroom.
- Tickets can be purchased online, on the app or on the day of travel and can be combined with local travel on Stagecoach buses in Oxfordshire for exploring the local area.
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