Charlton-on-Otmoor Services is based in the village of the same name, several miles to the north-east of Oxford. Several local services are operated, including one from Oxford to Charlton and neighbouring villages. The terminus for this service is in St. Giles, where Leopard/Plaxton VPP 958S is seen laying over. (Photo by David Root)
A newer Leyland/Plaxton is A113 MUD, a former COMS Tiger which saw City Link service before use on the now discontinued 109 to Witney. It is now in the ownership of Charlton Services, and is seen laying over in Ferry Hinksey Road, very close to your sub-editor's home. It is interesting to note that of the 14 Plaxton Paramount-bodied Tigers bought new by COMS, at least 13 continue to make regular appearances in Oxford, operating for Charlton Services (1), Swanbrook (4), Worths (5) and Heyfordian (3)! The only one we have yet to trace is 119 - can anyone out there help us? (Photo by David Root)
Another ex-COMS Tiger, A111 MUD is one of four which operate Swanbrook's 53 service from Oxford (Gloucester Green coach station) to Cheltenham and Gloucester. 111 is the odd one out; it is a Mark I 3200, whereas the other three, B120-2 YUD, are of the higher 3500 variety and have the Mark II version of the Paramount body. (Photo by David Root)
Heyfordian's coach fleet includes several of these Bova Europa coaches. 3139 KV was caught on camera turning from Hythe Bridge Street into Worcester Street. It display's Heyfordian's penchant for "cherished" registrations, which are carried by most if not all coaches in the fleet. (Photo by David Root)
Along with Heyfordian, Tappins is another partner in the Oxford Classic Tour operation. Better known for its coaching activities, a few buses are operated with the fleetname "Tappins Rapid Transit". 653 GBU is a Leyland National 2, seen operating a service for Tesco. It is approaching the roundabout by Cowley Retail Park. (Photo by David Root)
Tourex of Oxford are based at Lamarsh Road in West Oxford. 966 MKE, a Plaxton Supreme V bodied Volvo, is amongst the coaches operated. Two other identities are also used. The School Bus Company uses an all-over yellow livery and operates four former MoD Tigers amongst other vehicles. The Nostalgia Travel operation includes a 1949 Bedford OB, a 1969 Bedford/Duple from the Isle of Wight, and former Thames Valley Traction Bristol FLF FJB 739C, whilst a former London RT awaits restoration. (Photo by Malcolm Crowe)
Services into Oxford are also provided by Stagecoach in no less than four guises (Midland Red, Swindon and District, and United Counties in addition to Stagecoach Oxford). United Counties provide the hourly X5 service to Cambridge via Milton Keynes and Bedford, marketed as Stagecoach Express, and the X60/X61 to Northampton, Leicester and Nottingham under the Coachlinks name. Both services mainly use Volvos with Plaxton Premiere bodywork. Midland Red operates the X50 to Birmingham via Stratford; the middle-aged Tigers formerly used on this service have recently been replaced by Alexander PS-bodied Volvos. From Banbury garage the X59 is operated, and this produces a veritable feast of variety, with Wright-bodied Mercedes, Alexander Dash-bodied B6, Leyland Nationals and Leopard coaches all appearing recently. Swindon and District normally sends Alexander Dash 901-3, though Leyland National 2s have been known to appear.
Worths of Enstone is another local independent which has traditionally served the city; the fleet includes several ex-COMS Tigers as well as new and old Volvos. The list of independents is completed by Motts Travel who, in addition to their fleet of modern luxury coaches, operate a service from Aylesbury and surrounding villages under the name of Yellow Bus. Thanks to Michael Wootten for the Yellow Bus fleet summary below.
Worths and Motts both have web sites.
| CUB 539/40Y | MCW Metrobus Mk2/MCW |
| OJD 463R | Leyland Fleetline B20/DMS |
| KON 323P | Leyland Fleetline/MCW |
| EHS 107T | Leyland Leopard/Duple Dominant |
| OWG 368X | Leyland Leopard/Plaxton Bustler |
| 641 UTO | Volvo B58/East Lancs EL2000 (rebody 1990) |
