The Oxford Bus Company is bringing its Chatty Bus event to the X32 route in Oxfordshire on Monday, February 24, 2026, to help passengers connect and feel less lonely. This one-day event is designed to encourage people to have friendly conversations while they travel between Wantage, Didcot and Oxford city centre.
The initiative is planned to run during off-peak hours to reach residents who are out for shopping or social trips. Volunteers and community ambassadors will be on the bus to distribute information about local social clubs and to help passengers introduce themselves to one another.
Go-Ahead Group, which pioneered the national Chatty Bus project, cites research showing many people have very little daily social contact — for example, around three in ten Britons go at least one day a week without speaking to anyone. By marking certain spots as ‘chatty seats’ or offering badges for passengers who are open to conversation, the scheme aims to make journeys more welcoming for people who live alone or feel isolated.
There is no special ticket required to take part: the bus will run its usual service and standard fares and concessionary travel passes apply. (On some past Chatty Bus days the operator has also offered discounted or complimentary travel for particular participants.) Age UK Oxfordshire has partnered with Oxford Bus Company on past Chatty Bus events and has supplied volunteers to help older residents stay involved with their community.
