Buses used more in Oxfordshire than in any other shire county (Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats)

Wantage and Didcot Liberal Democrats <info@wantagelibdems.org.uk>

Buses used more in Oxfordshire than in any other shire county

March 8, 2009 8:49 PM

Oxfordshire Park & Ride bus

It is good to be able to report statistics which show that Oxfordshire is the shire county with the highest rate of bus use per head in England, and that usage continues to rise. In addition, the county has an encouragingly low proportion of children being taken to school by car - a reflection of the effectiveness of School Travel Plans which the Lib Dems have championed.

Said County Councillor Chris Wise: "It may be surprising given the relative affluence of the population, the degree of car ownership and the rural nature of much of the county, that there is such a high level of bus use. All kinds of initiatives have helped with this, including the highly successful Park & Rides in Oxford. I think people here are also aware of the effects of global warming for our children, and are prepared to put up with some inconveniences sometimes in order to do their bit for the planet."

The Oxfordshire Citizens Panel was asked a range of questions on traffic and environmental issues in 2006 and again in 2007. There was improvement on all scores in 2007; however the lowest scores and smallest improvement concerned crossing the road easily and safely with the low provision of outdoor seating. Street cleanliness and feeling safe from crime during daylight hours scored the highest improvement. Feeling safe from traffic increased from 26% to 35% for responders, which is still worryingly low.

Between 2007 and 2008, the number of bus journeys in Oxfordshire increased by a further 2.1%, so there is no sign that the county is at risk of losing its lead in bus usage.