'Reward' for two weeks of no service (From Witney Gazette)

'Reward' for two weeks of no service

2:57pm Monday 13th August 2007 in Witney By David Horne

PASSENGERS on the Cotswold Line to and from Oxford are getting a cut-price 'reward' for having to endure no train service for two weeks.

Train operator First Great Western has cut fares for seven days, starting Monday this week, for stations all the way from Oxford, through west Oxfordshire, up to Hereford.

The cheap day-returns are at half normal price, and last until Sunday.

The line was closed because of safety concerns following the flooding on July 20, and only reopened on Friday, August 3.

Tom Stables, commercial director at First Great Western, said: "This is our way of saying thank you to customers who have been so patient while the line has been closed to allow for track repairs following the severe flooding in the area last month."

Examples of the half-price fares include: Oxford to London £8.75 (down from £17.50) Charlbury to London £10.35 (down from £20.70).

The special offer can be used from the following stations in the county: Oxford, Hanborough, Combe, Finstock, Charlbury, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Shipton, and Kingham.

For train times, journey planning and to buy tickets visit the website www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk, or telephone 08457 000125.