MORE than 2,000 people have already used a new 'Uber for buses' scheme in Oxford in the first two weeks.

Oxford Bus Company launched the on-demand scheme on June 25 to reduce congestion and improve services in the city’s Eastern Arc.

The PickMeUp app allows workers, students and members of the public to order a bus to a virtual stop.

The firm's managing director, Phil Southall, said almost 2,500 people had signed up so far.

He said: "We are delighted with the initial reception to this service, which underlines latent demand for buses that people can summon on demand.

"We knew from our research that people are looking for a swift, convenient affordable alternative to cars, which offers more flexibility than a traditional bus.

"This is a new idea in transport, using the very latest mapping and co-ordination technology, and it’s got the potential to be part of the solution in tackling air quality and traffic congestion in many towns and cities."

The firm invested £850,000 in six 17-seat low emission minibuses for the scheme which covers a 12.2 square mile area, encompassing Oxford Station, Oxford Science Park, Oxford Business Park, the hospitals and Brookes University.

Journeys - matched to others travelling on a similar route - cost £2.50 per ride.

But it costs an extra £2.50 if the trip could be made via an existing bus route.

It uses technology developed by Via, which operates similar schemes in New York and Chicago.