Chatty Bus back to help reduce loneliness

Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel’s popular Chatty Bus initiative is returning to help address loneliness.

 Chatty Bus volunteers from Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel will be on-board the X32 service to chat to passengers as they travel between the John Radcliffe Hospital and Didcot, via Oxford City Centre, Headington in Oxford and Milton Park, on Monday 24th February.

 And in further good news, Oxford Bus Company has confirmed it will also hold additional Chatty Bus days on 14th May and 10th October this year to further help foster community connections.

 Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel are delivering the Chatty Bus initiative as part of their Oxford Bus Cares initiative following the success of previous campaigns after it first launched in 2019.

 Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel’s Managing Director said: “Loneliness remains a real issue that affects so many people in our community and we hope the return of Chatty Bus will help make a difference.

 “The Chatty Bus Experience creates the opportunity to connect, share stories, and build relationships within a supportive environment. This year, we have plans to grow our Chatty Bus initiative to take it to the next level for the benefit of the communities we serve.

 “Research has found buses form an important social function and by providing extra engagement we hope to deliver more support and raise awareness of the issue and the help that is available.”

In 2022 Go-Ahead Group, the parent company of Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, signed the Government’s Employers Pledge, committing to help improve social connections and reduce loneliness levels.

Buses can provide a vital lifeline for many of those living in isolation, as a third of Britons admit that they deliberately catch the bus to have some human contact, research by ComRes on behalf of Greener Journeys found. While two-thirds of bus users say services create strong community ties, and eight out of 10 know someone who depends on the bus.

Passengers will be able to identify Chatty Bus Champions, who will travel on the buses to engage in meaningful conversations and lend an ear to those seeking companionship, via their blue tops. When people board, a Chatty Bus Champion will be at the front of the bus.

Passengers will be welcome to pick up a badge saying they are happy to chat or enjoy their journey quietly.

In addition to offering a friendly chat, they will be on hand to provide information about local activities and social groups, catering to a wide range of people. They will also share tips on how best to enjoy a day out in Oxford.