Oxford Bus Company has invested 4 million GBP in a fleet of new Mercedes Tourismo vehicles for its long-running airport coach link between Oxford and London’s major airports.
The airline service, owned and operated by the Oxford Bus Company, has introduced 13 new executive coaches to replace part of its existing 20-vehicle fleet. The first of the new vehicles is due to enter service in the spring, with further introductions planned throughout the year.
The investment coincides with Oxford Bus Company’s 40th year of operation, forming part of its continued focus on the Oxford to airport routes serving Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport.
The new coaches meet Euro 6 emissions standards and are equipped with digital camera-operated mirrors. Safety systems include Sideguard alerts to detect pedestrians and cyclists, Active Brake Assist and multi-lane monitoring designed to support motorway driving. The vehicles also feature upgraded cybersecurity software intended to guard against unauthorised access to onboard systems.
Accessibility measures include hearing loops and audio-visual passenger information. Each seat is fitted with USB charging points, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the journey.
The service, named “the airline,” operates departures up to every 20 minutes to Heathrow and hourly to Gatwick during the day. Journey times, subject to traffic, are around 80 minutes from Oxford to Heathrow Terminal 5 and 90 minutes to Heathrow Central Bus Station. Travel to Gatwick South Terminal takes between two hours 15 minutes and two hours 50 minutes, with around 10 additional minutes for Gatwick North Terminal.
In Oxford, stops include Thornhill Park & Ride, Headington shops, Oxford Brookes University, St Clement’s, High Street and Gloucester Green.
Passengers may carry two suitcases weighing up to 20kg each free of charge, in addition to one small item of hand luggage. Children are permitted one suitcase of up to 20kg and one small item of hand luggage. Larger items such as bicycles, skis and trunks may be carried if space allows, subject to a 5 GBP surcharge and the driver’s discretion.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of the Oxford Bus Company, said:We’re proud of the heritage of our luxury airline service and to be celebrating such a milestone of helping people connect with and between the two airports.
The airline service performs an important offering to our customers, providing a reliable, comfortable and great value for money way for people to travel to and from Gatwick and Heathrow.
This significant investment in upgrading our airline fleet further underpins our commitment to the service. The new coaches are fantastic and include new technology making them the most modern and luxurious coaches in the UK.
