News from Oxford
High Wycombe & the surrounding areas

update Sunday 10th October 1999 by Malcolm Crowe

Please note that any comments made in this news page are those of the Editors' and in no way constitute 
any official points of view from the bus companies mentioned,  or indeed any other official body. 
As a news page we reserve the right to make valid comments as seen from an editorial point of view.

A few surprises were in store for me on my return to Oxford this last week. Both Oxford Bus and Stagecoach Oxford sprang those surprises.  Both concerned double deckers and I have managed a few pictures but also news items feature.

The Oxford Bus event was the reinstatement of two Olympians, 208 and 214, though it is reported by the company that 201 was used instead of 214. I have not seen 201 so 214 seems to be the "one" ! Overcrowding on two routes was the cause and one peak hour journey on each of the 4 and 35 roads was where the buses found themselves. Not surprisingly since they were now taxed, this last weekends football at Headington saw the use of both buses on extras between the ground and the station. Later 208 was in use on 15 road instead of the usual Volvo B10B. 

Other news from Oxford is that the 61 to Jericho will cease at the end of October, after which it will be taken over by Thames Travel under contract to the County Council. Company sources suggest that since OTS, use has dropped by 50 per cent !  This will also mean that the last of the Metroriders can be withdrawn (782 and 783) - 781 is in use as a driver trainer/staff transport of course. 

Oxford Bus T3, ex 781, a Metrorider with 8 seats used for Driver Training and 
as a Staff Shuttle. Seen here in Oxford's high Street, last Saturday afternoon.

Another night shot, this time of 409 laying over at Speedwell Street
between duties on the 13B. The Wrights body has proved to be a very
popular product, especially with operators at Heathrow.

The Cowley road depot of Oxford Bus is now host to numerous
Dennis Darts, ex London and now under preparation for service at
High Wycombe. Here two are seen in the parking area behind the garage.
 

Now bearing three fleet numbers, ex London Dart DW53 has received
a handwritten fleet number 525 which it will carry at Wycombe but also
seen is the London number 5053, just above the fuel filler !

Stagecoach Oxford sprung a surprise this last week, with the arrival of Metrobus 5048 - with full Manchester blinds - but intended to operate the 77 to Brookes University. Sadly it suffered mechanical problems and has yet to see service in Oxford. It is seen below in company with D125FYM from midland Red, which has also suffered its own mechanical breakdowns and has not been used in recent days.

Finally on the Stagecoach front this week, I can report the return of Volvo B6/Alexander ALX200 (ex demonstrator) 839 from repair after serious front end damage. It has been off the road for several months. Seen below, it has acquired a new destination display during repairs and could be mistaken for a MAN from a distance. It looks very smart indeed.

A regular operator into Oxford, Cambridge Coach Services, has replaced its D registered Volvo/Van Hool, number 350 D350KVE, with a new coach for passengers with special needs. It is 325 and is the last of the present batch of Volvo B10M-62's, normally used on the Gatwick service when  not otherwise required. It is seen here at Duxford, a week ago, displaying its tail lift for wheelchairs.  

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You can still view 
the Tube launch report  
and 
the Oxford Bus P&R Trident launch - Dateline Tuesday June 1st 1999  
Click above

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THE OXFORD BUS MUSEUM