Oxford Bus Company is bringing back its Chatty Bus initiative to mark Mental Health Awareness Week from 11-17 May.
In a bid to combat isolation and loneliness in the community, volunteers from the operator and the charity Restore will ride the 300 service between 1000hrs and 1330hrs from 14 May.
In partnership with Restore Garden Cafe, the volunteers will be starting conversations and sharing information about local activities and social groups.
A small selection of loyalty cards for the cafe will also be given away on board the service connecting park-and-ride sites at Pear Tree and Redbridge via Oxford city centre.
The Chatty Bus has been a regular feature for Oxford Bus Company since 2019 to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, an annual campaign organised by the Mental Health Foundation.
It has also been revived at other times, including most recently on the X32 service in partnership with Age UK Oxfordshire and Oxford Hospitals Charity in February.
The campaign is also set to be re-introduced in October and November via sister companies Thames Travel and Pulhams Coaches.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company, says: “We are proud to be a business at the heart of the community, and know that feelings of isolation and loneliness have a genuine impact.
“We see this not just on our bus passenger network, but in wider society too, which is why we hold these Chatty Bus events.
“It is particularly poignant during Mental Health Awareness Week to do what we can to support the community.
“Chatty Bus has a positive effect on those who join us, so if you’re looking for a bit of company or want to connect with others, then please do hop on board the Chatty Bus this week.”
