TRANSPORT bosses in Oxford should consider using ‘jump-on jump-off' electric vehicles to boost connectivity, a traders’ group has said.

ROX – Promoting Oxford Business – has come up with the proposal as part of a package of measures it is putting forward to boost tourism in the city centre.

Earlier this month it called for some tourist coaches to be allowed to use Gloucester Green to free up space in St Giles and improve the air quality there.

Now it is proposing that highways managers consider the use of a hop-on hop-off vehicle to supplement normal bus services.

Graham Jones, a former Oxford city councillor, is the coordinator for traders’ group ROX, which represents a large number of city centre businesses. He said transport managers should study the use of electric vehicles in other cities.

ROX said in a statement: “Thought does need to be given to the idea of jump-on jump-off electric vehicles, with suitable facilities for the less abled and parents with young children, for quick and accessible transport across the city centre.

“These could be free with appropriate sponsorship.”

thisisoxfordshire:

Mr Jones added: “There are different models in different cities, including a road train in York which runs from the Minster to the National Railway Museum.

“Using a vehicle like this could be a possibility and with the right sponsorship it could be a free service.

“This is not a new idea – in fact it is something I suggested about 30 years ago but I think now is a good time for the idea to be reconsidered.

“Such a service could help bus passengers who need to walk from stops in Magdalen Street East to St Aldate’s or High Street to continue their journeys.

“As well as helping bus passengers a vehicle like this would also be popular with tourists.”

Mr Jones said the new vehicle could display a series of adverts to help pay for running costs.

He added: “I do think this innovation could work and the new vehicle would help to carry parents with prams, and the infirm and less able, between destinations.”

Mr Jones said the use of similar vehicles in other cities should now be properly researched.

In York a petrol-driven road train with room for about 40 passengers runs every 30 minutes between York Minister and the National Railway Museum and is popular with families and tourists, costing £3 per person.

Highways bosses are considering a range of measures to improve transport in the city centre. In January, consultants Phil Jones Associates proposed a two-loop bus system and one-way traffic system to ‘end the dominance of buses’. The north-to-east loop would use Longwall Street, High Street, Cornmarket Street and, in one case, Broad Street and Holywell Street and proposals are being examined.