Heralded Success in Deregulation

Heralded as one of the best examples in the bus and coach industry of deregulation working in almost textbook fashion, Oxford has enjoyed an excellent and dynamic transport system.

Historical Background

This historic city, famed for its university colleges and ‘dreaming spires’, had City of Oxford Motor Services (COMS) as its established bus operator. Under National Bus Company ownership, the operations of South Midland were added and the name was changed to Oxford South Midland. Separated prior to privatisation, South Midland would take the county depots and Oxford the city and interurban network. However, both would continue to operate coach services to London via the M40 motorway or along the Thames Valley.

Additional Operators and Photographs

This book also looks at a selection of other operators running in the county, as well as those of neighbouring counties such as Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. The Stagecoach Group gained a significant presence in the area. Photographs included here were captured between 1986 and 2010 and feature numerous vehicle types, liveries and operators.