OXFORD Tube has announced a drop in Christmas fares just days after the X90 bus service said it was reducing its prices.

The promotion, which could fuel speculation about a new price war, will see some fares reduced by more than 40 per cent.

Stagecoach, which runs the Oxford Tube, says the promotion is 'unrelated' to the X90 announcement and that it 'often' runs similar promotion in the build up to Christmas.

Having already begun on Sunday, the new rates - which will see adult returns to London drop by around £4 to £15 - will be available until January 13.

ALSO READ: Prices slashed on X90 to London

Students and seniors will be able to travel on the same service from £13, with children charged as little as £7.50.

That follows Oxford Bus Company announcing on Friday that prices on its X90 service to London would be slashed.

However, that timetable will be changed and fewer services will run.

Oxford Bus Company said the change was not due to a drop in passenger numbers, but due to feedback from customers and increasingly easy and cheap alternative travel options to the capital.

Like the Oxford Tube change, that promotion also came into force on Sunday.

Chris Coleman, Managing Director of the Oxford Tube said: “This is fantastic news for our customers, particularly at a time of year when there’s a real focus on connecting with friends and family to celebrate the festive season.

“We want to be part of that and help people’s budgets go further, so we’re delighted to offer discounts while delivering our usual high level of service.”

Oxford Tube will run on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.