New Oxford Tube coaches are about to make their first journeys to London following a £13m investment by Stagecoach.

The first two of 34 new coaches will start carrying customers from Saturday with the entire fleet being replaced by early 2021.

The company had hoped to introduce the new coaches to the fleet earlier this year but the launch was put on hold, due to the coronavirus crisis, which led to a reduction in the number of passengers.

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On board features include at seat wireless and USB charging, reading lights, free wifi, foot rests and seats belts.

Read again: £13m upgrade of Oxford Tube will go ahead

In addition, the coaches will have the leanest diesel Euro 6 engines which limit exhaust emissions and 5 of the 34 coaches are fitted with solar panel systems to provide clean solar energy to power all on-board electrical equipment.

Chris Coleman, managing director at Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, said: "This year has been extremely challenging and so it is great to end it on a high with the introduction of our new Oxford Tube fleet.

“December is typically one of our busiest months as many travel to the Capital for a spot of Christmas shopping, and to enjoy the festivities of the Christmas markets and lights.

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"Although this month won’t be quite the same, we are still really excited to welcome passengers on board and look forward to the New Year when more customers can experience the new and improved Oxford Tube fleet. 

"Not only does this apply to local residents visiting London but also to visitors from the Capital who, when the time is right, can travel to Oxford in style and enjoy the many attractions and hospitality our own City has to offer."

Oxfordshire County Council leader Ian Hudspeth said: “This level of investment in public transport in Oxfordshire is to be welcomed.

"The new vehicles are an attractive mode of transport to reach the capital and will draw visitors to Oxford too."

Oxford Mail:

The Oxford Tube is currently running to an emergency timetable following the introduction of a second lockdown due to end December 2.

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Passengers are advised to check the online at oxfordtube.com or on the Oxford Tube mobile ticket app before travelling for the latest timetable information.