Stagecoach in Oxfordshire has announced that its Oxford Tube coach service between the university city and London will be suspended until further notice after operation on Sunday 5 April.
The operator says that despite running to a reduced timetable as a result of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, passenger numbers dropped “significantly” following the issue of government guidance about non-essential travel.
Changes to some bus services operated by Stagecoach in Oxfordshire will also be made from the same date as the Oxford Tube is suspended.
Says MD Chris Coleman: “We have been carefully monitoring passenger numbers since the government advice on non-essential travel, and we have already made significant reductions to our timetable.
“However, we firmly believe that the decision to temporarily suspend services on the Oxford Tube is now the right one based on the current unprecedented circumstances. We hope customers understand that.”
Mr Coleman has also thanked staff at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire for “their continued support and resilience.”
34 Plaxton Panorama-bodied Volvo B11RLE double-decker coaches have been ordered for the Oxford Tube for delivery later this year. They will replace its existing fleet of Van Hool Astromegas.