OXFORD Bus Company is investigating the possibility of getting government cash to support its app-based PickMeUp service.
Bosses warned last month they are finding it ‘challenging’ to make the innovative service commercially viable and that it could be axed without financial support from outside sources.
The warning came after the company ended the long-running X90 coach service to London this month because the service had been making a loss.
READ AGAIN: PickMeUp bus service could be scrapped
Yesterday the Government announced it wanted to invest millions of pounds in bus networks across the country, including £20m towards trials of on-demand buses, like the PickMeUp service.
OBC managing director Phil Southall said: “We welcome this positive commitment from government as stronger bus networks are key to reducing congestion and emissions.
READ AGAIN: Deliveroo rolled out in Oxfordshire town
“We will look at the opportunities this money offers and will examine with our local authorities whether a bid is possible.
“The guidance provided is the money is available for rural and suburban areas rather than cities.”
More than 250,000 journeys have been made on PickMeUp buses since it launched in June 2018, with 30,000 registered users signed up to the app.
READ AGAIN: Schoolgirl to take legal action against council's 'trans toolkit'
PickMeUp has allowed passengers in eastern Oxford to call buses to pick them up on a selected street corner of their choice.
Mr Southall said earlier it would be a ‘real tragedy’ for everyone who has come to rely on the service if it had to be withdrawn.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel