The Oxford Tube - which runs between the dreaming spires and London with astonishing frequency - is a masterclass in public transport.

It has been said that the aim of life is to ‘enjoy the journey’.

But journeys are quite difficult things to enjoy. On any given trip one may have to endure any number of inconveniences: the late train, the expensive cab, the packed family car, the delayed flight…

I discovered the Oxford Tube – operated by Stagecoach - about three months after moving to the city. And I can genuinely say it’s been a revelation. So much so that I no longer think of the trip to London and back as just ‘the journey’, but actively enjoy it as part of my day.

Leaving every 10-15 minutes from Gloucester Green coach station, off George Street, these magnificent blue and red vessels took me by surprise the first time I climbed aboard.

Met with a friendly driver (a rare occurrence on public transport), my first pleasant surprise was the affordability. Just £20 for an adult return, within three months.

Compare this with the train, where you’ll be looking at around £34 for a return within one month.

What’s that I hear you say? The train is quicker? Adding an extra hour or so to your journey is nothing when you get to travel in such comfort and style.

The ‘lower deck’ of the coach is fit with cosy tables, and plenty of built-in storage space, perfect for families with children to offload their baggage and sit comfortably together.

All the single seats that fill the rest of the coach, up and downstairs, are suited brilliantly to today’s commuter or day tripper.

Each comes with wireless charging, USB charging and a reading light. There’s free Wi-Fi on board, and, the Oxford Tube even gets the basics right: the seats are actually comfortable.

Every journey on the Oxford Tube since has not disappointed. Last weekend I used the service to get myself to London Victoria, ahead of a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe to watch As You Like It.

Oxford Mail: As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe

I jumped on at Gloucester Green, but there are plenty of other stops in Oxford, and near to Oxford, where passengers can join the journey: Speedwell Street, St Aldates, High Street, St Clement’s, Oxford Brookes University, Headington, Green Road and Thornhill Park and Ride.

All the major stops are displayed on the helpful digital information board at the front of the coach.

Closer to London you can alight at Shepherd’s Bush, Notting Hill Gate, Baker Street, Marble Arch and Victoria.

I had a tremendous day out in the capital. Enjoying a few beers in the blazing sunshine (the sweltering heat blown away during my journey by the coach’s air con) and drinking in the culture at the true-to-history reconstruction of the Globe Theatre.

Oxford Mail: As You Like It at Shakespeare's Globe

It was made all the more enjoyable by the knowledge that I had a safe, reliable and effortless journey home whenever I felt like leaving.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1