From the 2nd of July, A NEW coach service will operate to Birmingham from Oxford via Warwick and the Warwick Uni!!!!
https://www.facebook.com/oxfordbuscompany/photos/a.297034930341582.77100.218685871509822/1125180430860357/?type=3&theater
http://airline.oxfordbus.co.uk/birmingham/
This reminds me of the previous service to run along the M40 from Oxford to Birmingham, the X40.
It ran 7 days a week and was jointly run by Oxford Bus Company and Midland Red South Banbury Garage, who even painted a Leyland Tiger into the then Blue and Yellow Oxford Citylink colours.
It was introduced in 1991 when the M40 extension opened and ran from Oxford Gloucester Green to the Bull Ring Bus Station via Banbury Bus Station, but I can't remember whether it diverted off the motorway to serve the Airport then.
Sadly it wasn't a huge success and after having the number of days it ran reduced and extra stops inserted it was withdrawn after a couple of years.
Let's hope this service is more of a success, shame it doesn't serve Birmingham City Centre though to provide a City Centre to City Centre service.
Yesterday morning my Dad saw Volvo B10BLE/Wright Renown R218HCD at Bham Airport. Presumably
driver training on the new airline service
They are offering an £2 add-on fare by 900 or LM train ONLY to New St, and the 11/12 to Coventry or Leamington.
Advertising on Enviro400 231 for this new service
https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebestintown/27738697622/
The new service is now operating and I have observed 2 14 plate Plaxton Panthers on the service.
Link to Album: https://www.facebook.com/Coventry-Bus-photo-page-369276339910972/photos/?tab=album&album_id=559426910895913
Quote from: Adam 404 on July 02, 2016, 04:45:27 PM
The new service is now operating and I have observed 2 14 plate Plaxton Elites on the service.
Link to Album: https://www.facebook.com/Coventry-Bus-photo-page-369276339910972/photos/?tab=album&album_id=559426910895913
@Adam 404 They are Volvo B9 Plaxton Panthers not Elite's
Quote from: James4368 on July 02, 2016, 05:31:11 PM
@Adam 404
They are Volvo B9 Plaxton Panthers not Elite's
Oh thanks :) I am not very good with my coaches!
Quote from: Adam 404 on July 02, 2016, 06:09:53 PM
Oh thanks :) I am not very good with my coaches!
Actually that is a Volvo B11R...
Quote from: Cheese on July 03, 2016, 08:30:40 AM
Actually that is a Volvo B11R...
Quote from: James4368 on July 02, 2016, 05:31:11 PM
@Adam 404
They are Volvo B9 Plaxton Panthers not Elite's
Oh my word! I don't know what they are! Can anyone else clear this up??
Quote from: Adam 404 on July 03, 2016, 08:59:43 AM
Oh my word! I don't know what they are! Can anyone else clear this up??
@Cheese is correct, it's an Volvo B11R.
Just seen on their facebook page, that the Birmingham - Oxford service last day of operation will be March 25th.
Quote from: 2206 on January 28, 2017, 04:49:10 PM
Just seen on their facebook page, that the Birmingham - Oxford service last day of operation will be March 25th.
Saw one arrive at the airport this morning, about half 8
Two people got off
Not really worth all the way from Oxford is it?
Quote from: Kevin on January 28, 2017, 07:44:53 PM
Saw one arrive at the airport this morning, about half 8
Two people got off
Not really worth all the way from Oxford is it?
Loadings have been quite low whenever i've seen it.
Went on one a couple of months ago, 8 passengers between the Airport and Banbury.
The return journey had about 10 - 15 between Warwick and Birmingham Airport.
Maybe it would have done better if it continued to Birmingham City Centre? Never saw anything advertising the service either.
Interesting attempt but surprised it's lasted this long to be honest, uncompetitive fares haven't helped.
The thing that struck me about the route was it was marketed in the same vein as Heathrow and Gatwick services
But Birmingham Airport is a direct once an hour train journey from Oxford unlike the other two
Quote from: Kevin on January 29, 2017, 08:43:29 AM
The thing that struck me about the route was it was marketed in the same vein as Heathrow and Gatwick services
But Birmingham Airport is a direct once an hour train journey from Oxford unlike the other two
The routeing was slightly different, taking in Warwick & the University, but what exactly were they hoping to achieve?. Students & daytrippers from the north end won't pay top whack. No-one from Oxford's going to voluntarily fly from BHX when LHR is nearer & they'll have the wherewithal to pay for a hotel after an NEC concert rather than slumming it back on a Coach. Tourists from the Oxford end don't want to go to Warwick when Stratford is just around the corner.
As I said. Interesting idea, but hamstrung by unrealistic fares.
Quote from: 2206 on January 28, 2017, 04:49:10 PM
Just seen on their facebook page, that the Birmingham - Oxford service last day of operation will be March 25th.
https://airline.oxfordbus.co.uk/news-service-updates/birmingham-withdrawal/