As villagers will know, the Stagecoach bus service to Bicester and beyond was updated early in January following a steady reduction in the numbers who used both the Launton and Langford branches of the route. The old S5 route wasn’t subsidised by Oxfordshire County Council, and it wasn’t economically viable for Stagecoach to continue it.
Councillor Ian Corkin helped to work with County Officers to find some developer funding to create the new 27 / 28 service and we have been fortunate to benefit from this service for the last six months.
As was explained at the time, this was going to be for a limited time only and it has recently been reviewed. The current passenger numbers to and from Launton average approximately 19 per day; of course, the Government’s working from home recommendations and general advice not to travel have clearly had a material impact on usage and while it is hoped that this will significantly improve in the future it is likely that the 27 / 28 service will stop at the end of August.
However, the good news is that the County Council was recently made aware of a commercial decision by the Red Rose Travel bus company to start a new service – 17 – between Aylesbury and Bicester. As it was clear that the 27 / 28 service was not going to be viable, the County Council took the opportunity ask Red Rose if they would be prepared to divert the service through the village – which they have agreed.
The Parish Council was notified of this possibility in June and provided feedback to the County Council on the proposal and alternatives. This new proposal has a number of benefits including new links to Waddesdon School and Aylesbury together with prolonged availability of funding. Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages, the most prominent being the loss of the through ticketing arrangement with the S5. At the time, these discussions were confidential, but the County Council has now confirmed that the services have been registered.
The new service 17 will commence on 31 August 2021, in time for the new school term. Holders of Stagecoach travel passes valid beyond this date should contact the company for reimbursement and any feedback on the new route would be gratefully received. The Clerk will be happy to forward comments on or you can contact the team directly at public.transport@oxfordshire.gov.uk.