Bus operator Thames Travel has announced a major £3 million investment into its popular River Rapids service, including a brand-new fleet of low-emission buses, improved passenger facilities, and an enhanced timetable that will launch on Saturday, 3 August.
Ten new high-specification Volvo B8L double-decker vehicles will enter service along the River Rapids route between Oxford, Wallingford and Reading, providing more space, greater comfort, and a greener journey for commuters and leisure travellers alike.
Each bus is equipped with:
- USB charging ports at every seat
- Free onboard Wi-Fi
- Hearing loops for passengers with auditory impairments
- Audio-visual “next stop” announcements for better accessibility
- 92 comfortable seats for increased capacity
These high-specification vehicles are designed to deliver smoother, more stable journeys along the River Thames corridor.
Faster Access to Oxford City Centre
The upgraded timetable restores direct service via Abingdon Road, with buses now stopping only at:
- Redbridge Park & Ride
- Canning Crescent
- St Aldates Police Station
- Westgate
This route revision significantly shortens travel time into Oxford, especially for commuters and tourists.
Frequency Boost From 3 August, X40 services will run:
Every 20 minutes on weekdays
Every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays
As a result of these improvements, the separate Sunday-only service 40C will be withdrawn, with its journeys integrated into the new X40 schedule.
Expanded NX40 Night Services
In partnership with Reading Borough Council, the NX40 night bus will extend beyond Wallingford to reach Reading. Night buses will continue to operate via Iffley Road in Oxford, with the final departures as follows:
- 03:30 from Oxford
- 03:05 from Reading
These late-night connections are particularly valuable for hospitality workers, students, and late-evening travellers.
Public–Private Collaboration
Elements of the X40 enhancement project are jointly funded by the Oxfordshire Bus Enhanced Partnership with Oxfordshire County Council and Reading Borough Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Thames Travel, said:
“Partnership working is key to a successful bus network, and it’s been great to collaborate with the council to secure funding from government and prioritise it to the areas where it can deliver the greatest benefit to bus users in the county.
“We have also made a significant investment as a business into our fleet of vehicles as part of our on-going commitment to introducing more sustainable modes of transport.”
Affordable, Scenic & Sustainable
The River Rapids service remains one of the most convenient and scenic ways to travel across Oxfordshire and into Berkshire. With new vehicles, better routes, and extended hours, Thames Travel aims to reduce car usage and offer an inviting alternative for thousands of daily riders.
- Route: Oxford ↔ Wallingford ↔ Reading
- Launch Date: Sunday 3 August 2025
- More info: https://www.thames-travel.co.uk
Full List of Stops: River Rapids X40 (Oxford to Reading)
Here is the sequential list of stops served by the X40 route based on the timetable:
- Oxford Westgate (Stop E3)
- Oxford St Aldates (Stop H4)
- Redbridge Park & Ride
- Nuneham Courtenay (Baldon Lane)
- Berinsfield (A4074 Layby)
- Shillingford (The Kingfisher)
- Benson Marina
- Crowmarsh Gifford (Church)
- Wallingford Market Place (Stop C)
→ Eastbound Departure Resumes from Wallingford:
- Woodcote (Co-op Store)
- Cane End (Horsepond Road)
- Caversham Heights (St Peter’s Avenue)
- Caversham (Library)
- Reading (Station Road)
Note: Some night or express variants (like NX40) may skip intermediate stops
