Petition: Bus service is vital (From Witney Gazette)

Petition: Bus service is vital

2:24pm Tuesday 1st July 2008 in Witney By Matt Wilkinson

SCORES of angry commuters and bus users have pledged their support to a website campaign to keep Charlbury rail bus as it is.

The service, which serves Charlbury, its railway station and surrounding villages, is one of eight services under review by Oxfordshire County Council, whether it should continue to spend £3m annual subsidy on the routes.

Ninety-one people have signed an online petition, demanding the Charlbury rail bus avoids any cull.

Signatory Michael Triff wrote: "This is a vital service to allow people in the area's villages, who depend on public transport, to access rail service without having to own a second car.

"Please protect this critical and highly-valued community resource."

Dian Elvin wrote: "Local transport is a lifeline to so many people.

"Also, it can reduce the numbers of cars on the road."

Giles Dawson wrote: "Absolutely essential part of the transport infrastructure in what could otherwise become an isolated rural area, even though 15 miles from Oxford."

Residents and commuters signing the petition live as far apart as Leafield, Charlbury, Shipton-under-Wychwood, and Ascott.

Others have commented on the website that stopping the service is contrary to the council's transport plan promise for accessibility for all, and maintaining the bus route would demonstrate a commitment to rural Oxfordshire and green transport.

Malcolm Blackmore wrote: "Just as the age of cheap oil disappears forever, you cut the public transport, which will only grow in demand. Does this strike you as a sane policy?" Meanwhile local resident Claire Maxwell explained that she needs the bus rail service to take her two young sons to the doctors.

She added: "I'd be stuck without it as I don't drive, and have no family around to help.

"Please save the rail bus."

Oxfordshire County Council is consulting with commuters.

Ian Hudspeth, the county cabinet member for transport, said: "We are not looking to make cuts, but find the best deal for the best service.

"I welcome all passenger groups and local people telling us what they think of the services because that is a good basis for us to make a judgement."

Other routes where subsidies could be cut are the 20A from Oxford to Charlbury, 23 from Middle Barton to Chipping Norton, 34 between Idbury and Chipping Norton, 69 from Witney to Chipping Norton, Kingham Rail Bus, X50 Oxford to Stratford, and 811 Salford to Cheltenham routes.

The council said it welcomes all comments and views from bus users and residents, as part of its consultation.

The online petition can be found by visiting the website petitiononline.com/railbus/