A new enhanced bus route is set to improve connectivity across Oxford, linking key employment hubs, hospitals and Park & Ride sites as part of an expanded city transport network.
Oxford Bus Company has introduced the new orbital service 600 following a tendering exercise by Oxfordshire County Council. The service will begin operating from Sunday 03 May, connecting the city centre with The Oxford Science Park, the Churchill Hospital and the John Radcliffe Hospital, as well as Park & Ride sites at Redbridge Park & Ride and Thornhill Park & Ride.
The new route has been shaped by passenger feedback and includes the restoration of bus services around the Churchill Hospital grounds. This will provide direct access to stops at the main entrance, Sobell House and the east entrance.
For commuters and visitors travelling to The Oxford Science Park, the service will also run to Frideswide Square, offering direct access to the rail station throughout the week.
Service 600 will operate from Oxford railway station and the city centre, travelling via Abingdon Road, Redbridge Park & Ride, The Oxford Science Park, Kassam Stadium, Greater Leys and Cowley, before serving the Churchill and John Radcliffe hospitals and continuing to Thornhill Park & Ride.
Within Cowley, buses will also run along Horspath Road, strengthening links between residential areas, major employment sites such as ARC Oxford, and Headington’s hospital sites.
The service will run every 30 minutes during daytime hours from Monday to Saturday, with hourly services in 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 can also benefit from free Park & Ride bus travel, an initiative extended until at least the end of May. To claim a free return journey, customers must present a valid parking ticket, allowing up to two adults and three children to travel at no additional cost.
Oxford’s Park & Ride network includes sites at Redbridge, Seacourt, Thornhill, Pear Tree and Oxford Parkway, with parking priced at £2.50 for up to 16 hours.
