Oxford Bus Group is teaming up with Age UK Oxfordshire and Oxford Hospitals Charity to deliver a series of community outreach events aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation.
The initiative, part of the popular Chatty Bus scheme, will see five special days take place across the group’s network — including Oxford Bus Company, Carousel Buses, Pulhams Coaches and Thames Travel. The programme encourages passengers to connect, share stories, and build friendships in a welcoming environment.
The first event will run on Thursday, 19 February on the X32 service between the John Radcliffe Hospital and Didcot, coinciding with Emotional Health Week.
Volunteers from Thames Travel, Age UK Oxfordshire and Oxford Hospitals Charity will be on board between 9.00am and 2.30pm, facilitating conversations, light games, and sharing information about local social groups and activities.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Group, said:
“Loneliness and isolation have a real impact on many people within the community and our bus passenger network, and so we’re proud to continue our Chatty Bus initiative to help address this issue.
“We’ve seen first-hand the positive effect which the Chatty Bus scheme can have, and after running it across three of our operating companies last year, we’re continuing the initiative to help deliver even greater impact across our network.
“We’re pleased to have partnered with two key charities to help ensure we can provide signposting to appropriate support if it is required. If you’re feeling lonely, or wanting to socialise or connect, then please do join us on the Chatty Bus this month.”
Further Chatty Bus events are scheduled for 11 March (Oxford Bus Company), 11 June (Carousel Buses), 10 October (Thames Travel) and 09 November (Pulhams Coaches).
Age UK Oxfordshire works to ensure a fairer later life for older people, challenging ageism and supporting unpaid carers, while Oxford Hospitals Charity funds medical equipment, research, specialist training and patient facilities.
The scheme aligns with Go-Ahead Group’s 2022 Employers Pledge to improve social connections and reduce loneliness.
Research by ComRes on behalf of Greener Journeys suggests one in three people deliberately catch the bus for social interaction, with two-thirds of users reporting that services foster strong community ties.
A full timetable for the Chatty Bus via the X32 can be found on the Oxford Bus website.
