Pulhams 801

Sat 18 Jul, 18:16

Thanks, Christine.

Yes, getting to and from the station is impossible for me.  The taxi firms won't do it now, as it's uneconomic and there are more profitable fares to be had.

There used to be a very good minibus service that picked people up and took them to the station, then dropped them back in central Charlbury.  Sadly, it was unprofitable, and it folded.

I have no idea about the economics, but given the number of commuters in Charlbury and the surrounding towns/villages, it could be a worthwhile venture. And it would ease the parking at the station.  

Sat 18 Jul, 18:05 (last edited on Sat 18 Jul, 18:07)

Useful insight, Jan. Thanks.

But Bourton is a long drive from Charlbury -- and not possible for those (like Hannen) who no longer drive at all. But it does make me think that it might be better to pick up the bus at Moreton Station, rather than at Chippy.

But, of course, getting to and from Charlbury Station, and also parking there, can pose problems for those with limited mobility.

Sat 18 Jul, 17:43

I live in Chippy and frequently use this bus service to Cheltenham.  Its very efficient and I hope they continue the service from Moreton to Chipping Norton.  However, frequently there are only one or two passengers until it arrives in Moreton.  I took the bus yesterday and on arriving in Moreton it was besieged by many tourists.  A lot had language difficulties and it took 15 minutes to load up!  Same scenario in Bourton and there were the same difficulties on the way back, resulting in a half hour delay, hence the journey taking two hours instead of 1.5 hours.  

I've decided - in the summer months at least - it would be better to drive to the Pulhams depot in Bourton where it is easy to park.  The journey from there is 40 minutes.

Its definitely a great way to get around.  The buses are comfortable, with seat belts and ports to plug in a mobile 'phone.

Sat 18 Jul, 17:15

I suggest contacting Pulham's, Hannen. 

If returning in the evening on the 801, it might be safer to get off at Moreton Station and get the train to Charlbury from there. I might also prefer that, given that the Chippy Town Hall toilets are now closed. The New Street Car Park toilets do remain open, however, IF you can manage to get the necessary 20p coins. 

But the S3 does also run from Chippy through Charlbury in the evenings (except Sundays), so that is also an option. 

There's 2 rather wonderful Pulhams's network maps here The X9 is on both the Cotswolds and also the Country maps, so presumably a £3 fare as far as Cheltenham (for those who need to pay). 

Sat 18 Jul, 16:44

Thanks, Christine.

It looks like a great service, and I can't wait to try it, but I don't understand how Sandy and I saw it in Charlbury!  Perhaps Pulhams can clarify?

I'm loath to hop on it at Five Ways only to find that I can't get back home! 

Sat 18 Jul, 16:15 (last edited on Sat 18 Jul, 16:39)

The new 801 timetable is here 

Buses are hourly for the most part, including weekends, and start or end at Chipping Norton School or at Chipping Norton West Street. There are new evening departures (except Sundays) starting this May. See here. 

I didn't know about this bus. Thanks both!

Charlbury is not on its usual route, but the bus can be picked up easily at Chippy or also at Moreton Station. The live interactive mapper is here. 

There are  lot of road closures coming up in Chipping Norton, so perhaps related to that! The bus that I followed online did not travel on through Charlbury to Witney, but an X9 departure to Witney through Charlbury took off very shortly after the 801 arrived at Chipping Norton. 

Perhaps phone 01451 820369 or Email: info@pulhams.co.uk for more information

Sat 18 Jul, 14:50

For its advertised journey it travels from Chippy, to Moreton, to Stow and to Bourton. Then via Andersford where I think maybe via a different stop before carrying on to Cheltenham which indeed would be great. It’s a very regular service too.

I saw it here a few times a couple of months ago,  my only thought was that there was either a road closure somewhere, or the driver had picked up the bus in chippy and failed to  notice the display!

Sat 18 Jul, 14:04

I've just seen this bus at Five Ways at about 13.50 hours. It says it goes to, inter alia, Bourton-on-the-Water and Moreton-in-Marsh. This is the second time this week that I've seen it.

It would be a fun way of exploring the Cotswolds!

Does anyone have any information about it?