Go-Ahead Group subsidiary Thames Travel has commenced a three-month trial of a new bus service between Oxford city centre and The Oxford Science Park, a facility that is described as one of Europe’s leading locations for life science and technology companies.

The 3X route begins at Oxford railway station and serves the city centre, Redbridge park-and-ride site and Heyford Hill before heading to the science park. Eight trips per day in each direction operate, with an end-to-end journey time of around 30 minutes.

Thames Travel has been awarded a three-month contract for the trial by The Oxford Science Park, during which time bus demand will be assessed and better understood. The route is captured by the £2 capped fare scheme, and its timetable includes journeys at core travel to and from work periods, and at lunchtimes.

Collaboration between the two parties builds upon an existing partnership that also includes Oxford Bus Company. The 3X route has been developed to provide faster and more reliable links to the campus for its occupiers, visitors, and local communities.

The Oxford Science Park is majority owned by Magdalen College. Speaking about the new service, Park CEO Rory Maw says: “We are delighted to be investing in this important initiative, which will be of enormous benefit to our occupiers.

“The Park has been poorly served by public transport from some areas, and providing a direct link to the hub at Redbridge and the railway station will open up alternatives to private car use. We continue to work with local bus service providers and the City and County Councils to encourage more sustainable travel options.”

Adds Thames Travel Managing Director Luke Marion: “To have been awarded a new contract with The Oxford Science Park to trial the new 3X service makes us very proud.

“This long-term partnership has gone from strength to strength, and it is great to work with a partner that is committed to encouraging modal shift, in turn enabling us to deliver better connectivity to The Oxford Science Park.”