MORE than three million passengers took journeys on Thames Travel buses in Oxfordshire last year.

The record number of passengers represents continued growth for Thames Travel and reflects its significant investment in improving services.

It is more than 200,000 more passenger journeys compared to the previous 12 months.

READ AGAIN: Wesytgate Centre homeware store House to close within days

Overall Thames Travel experienced an eight per cent uplift in passenger growth and the growing Connector brand a 15 per cent increase in 2019.

Oxford Mail:

Thames Travel’s fleet of buses are low emission vehicles.

Thames Travel managing director Phil Southall said: "The increase in passenger growth on our Thames Travel services is encouraging after significant investment in the fleet and branding, along with introducing new routes, improved timetables and ticketing.

READ AGAIN: Yobs carry out spree of violent attacks on estate

"It also demonstrates the value of bus services to the overall economic well-being of the county.

"This investment has helped people get to work and created new employment opportunities at Thames Travel.

" key part of our strategy has been continuing to invest in supporting the economic growth of the county.

READ MORE: Inquest for soldier who died in A420 crash

"This has been possible thanks to working in partnership with key stakeholders including the University of Oxford, Culham Science Centre, Taylor Wimpey, Ridgeway Education Trust, Oxfordshire County Council and GWR.

"This year we also moved our depot to Didcot, further demonstrating our commitment to the region.”