Innovative Green Travel Initiatives Expand Accessibility and Capacity
Milton Park, one of the UK’s largest single-ownership innovation communities, has taken a significant step towards improving sustainable transport across Oxfordshire with the introduction of a fleet of thirteen new Milton Park-branded double-decker buses. The move follows the renewal of its partnership with Thames Travel and the adoption of a refreshed Local Development Order (LDO), supported by an innovative Section 106 (S106) planning agreement with the Vale of White Horse District Council.
A Sustainable Transport Solution
The newly wrapped double-decker fleet replaces single-decker buses, significantly increasing passenger capacity while injecting a splash of color onto Oxfordshire’s roads. The initiative aligns with Milton Park’s broader commitment to sustainable mobility, as outlined in the updated LDO, which includes investment in public bus services, new cycle and walking pathways, and road upgrades.
Veronica Reynolds, Sustainability & Community Manager at Milton Park, emphasized the significance of the initiative:
“We’re delighted to have renewed our partnership with Thames Travel, which has coincided with the reveal of our new-look double decker buses. Thank you to everyone who helped to name them.”
“Newer double decker buses will now be operating on the majority of routes to and from Milton Park, greater enhancing the comfort of journeys for our occupiers. I would encourage anyone in need of a New Year’s resolution to trial the double deckers in 2025, and if you work at Milton Park, don’t forget to sign up for the £20 bus pass!”
Expanding Public Transport Accessibility
The new bus fleet is set to improve connectivity to Didcot Parkway station, where buses will run every 8-10 minutes, providing seamless access to major transport hubs, including London Paddington, Reading, Birmingham, and Oxford. Additional frequent services will connect Milton Park to key locations such as Abingdon, Didcot, Wallingford, Wantage, Henley, and Headington’s Life Sciences sector in Oxford, with a swift 25-minute commute.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Thames Travel, highlighted the benefits of the expanded service:
“We’re thrilled to be continuing the partnership between Milton Park and Thames Travel, which has already proved a great benefit to Park occupiers, visitors and the public alike.
“We look forward to seeing the public making the most of the increased bus capacity, which we hope will lead to a further increase in sustainable travel to Milton Park this new year.”
A Community-Centric Initiative
In a nod to community involvement, people working at Milton Park participated in naming the new buses, each starting with the letter ‘M’—from Mabel to Mungo. These unique names add a personal touch, making the bus service feel more connected to its users.
Milton Park’s £20 annual employee bus pass has played a crucial role in promoting public transport, offering unlimited travel within the Didcot Zone, including Didcot Parkway railway station, the Orchard Centre, Drayton, Steventon, Sutton Courtenay, and Milton. Since its introduction, this initiative has driven an 18% increase in bus usage, marking a significant shift towards greener commuting habits.
Recognition for Environmental Commitment
Milton Park’s investment in sustainable transport recently earned it the Environmental Sustainability Award at the United Kingdom Science Park Association’s (UKSPA) 40th anniversary conference. The award recognized the Park’s extensive carbon reduction efforts and biodiversity initiatives, particularly its role as a test-bed location for the UK’s first fully electric, autonomous bus trial.
This accolade highlights Milton Park’s leadership in pioneering green travel solutions and fostering a more sustainable business environment.
The Future of Green Mobility
As more businesses and innovation communities strive to reduce their carbon footprints, Milton Park’s renewed partnership with Thames Travel serves as a model for sustainable transportation. By increasing accessibility, encouraging public transit use, and investing in infrastructure that supports low-carbon commuting, Milton Park is setting an example for other business hubs across the UK.
