Bus passengers in Thame are set to benefit from an improved service thanks to Oxfordshire County Council working with local operator Redline Buses.
The current service 120 route from Aylesbury to Haddenham in Buckinghamshire is being extended to Thame town centre, after which it will serve some residential areas of the town that have seen little or no bus coverage in recent years.
Bill Cotton, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director of Environment and Place, said: “This improved service is positive news for residents of Thame; we’ve worked with Redline Buses to connect people with real upgrades in services.
“This is particularly important as we look toward recovery from the pandemic and as a means of reducing our individual environmental impact within growing communities. The improved 120 route will also mean real travel choices for people as we look to cut transport emissions and improve air quality too.”
Taj Khan, Managing Director of Redline Buses, said: “We are a locally owned and managed bus company and are delighted to be working in close partnership with Oxfordshire County Council in providing this new route serving the residents of Thame. I look forward to working with the local community in developing this route into an attractive and sustainable service for the town.”
The enhanced service operates six times a day, Monday to Friday (except public holidays), on a one-way anti-clockwise loop around Thame, restoring links to the Towersey Drive area lost in 2016 as well as providing a new service to Cromwell Avenue. The service is being supported by new funding on an 18-month trial from the county council.
The first journey from Towersey Drive is at 08.40, with the last return from Thame Town Hall at 13.50. Buses operate broadly hourly between these times. The sections of route on Towersey Drive and Cromwell Avenue are hail and ride, meaning passengers can board or alight at any safe place on these sections of road.
Beyond Thame, buses operate to/from Haddenham and Thame Parkway station and Aylesbury. Concessionary pass holders can use the service after 09.00.
The council has awarded over £9 million of local bus contracts in the past 18 months.
Further details of the route timetable by visiting the timetable online.
