New express bus service supporting key science and technology hubs launched by Oxford Bus Company

Oxford Bus Company has launched a new express bus service to enhance connectivity for passengers travelling between the city centre and Oxford’s growing science and technology hubs.

The 500 service provides a rapid service between the city centre and some of Oxford’s highest employment areas including ARC Oxford, the MINI plant, and Cowley Retail Park.

At least four buses per hour will operate the route between 7am and 9.15pm seven days per week, with frequency increasing to every 10 minutes during peak travel times. 

It will link the MINI plant in Cowley to Westgate Oxford directly with journey times of less than 20 minutes, serving stops at the Longwall (for ARC Oxford), the Original Swan, Manzil Way, the Plain, Queen’s Lane West, Carfax and Speedwell Street.

The new service is designed to deliver faster and more reliable transport links for residents, visitors and occupiers between the city centre and the key employment hubs in East Oxford.

Passengers travelling on the service will benefit from the government’s £3 single fare cap.

Bus links to ARC Oxford and Cowley Retail Park are further boosted by Stagecoach’s new 600 service, which is being operated in partnership with Oxfordshire County Council.

Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, said: “Supporting Oxford’s visitor and employment economies by delivering efficient and reliable services which meet the requirements of our passengers is a key strategic priority for us.

“Our new 500 service not only enhances the frequency of buses on a key route for workers and visitors to the city but also reduces journey times by prioritising only the stops we know are used most by our passengers.

“Developments happening on the doorstep of our Cowley depot, including the grow of ARC’s Ascent science innovation hub, are exciting for Oxford and need to be backed up by an appropriate public transport network.

“It’s why we’ve committed to an enhanced seven-day-a-week service further connecting Oxford to innovation and retail hubs in Cowley which represent a key commuter route. The service has got off to a good start and we’re looking forward to welcoming more passengers on-board.”   

The move is aligned to Oxford Bus Company’s commitment to supporting Oxfordshire’s growing economy via its services. Last year, sister operator Thames Travel extended its X35 service to provide improved links between Grove, Wantage and Harwell Campus in the south of the county, and Thames Travel also has a long-standing sustainable travel partnership with Milton Park which provides enhanced connectivity to the prestigious science and technology park.

Oxford Bus Company is part of Go-Ahead’s Oxford Bus Group which includes Thames Travel, Pulhams Coaches, Carousel Buses, Pearces Coaches and City Sightseeing Oxford.