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Sunday 500 service between Banbury and Brackley saved – for now
28/09/2022
Lifeline funding keeps the bus operational but a councillor warns that it needs to be supported
The Sunday bus service between Banbury and Brackley has been saved – until at least August 2024.
Cash from Oxfordshire County and West Northamptonshire Councils has been used to support the 500 Service, which will start operating again from Sunday October 16. Sunday buses between the two towns had stopped at the end of August.
The Councillor in charge of highway management in Oxfordshire says he hopes people will support the service so it can be sustained after the initial funding period.
The returning service will run hourly between Banbury and Brackley calling at Middleton Cheney and Farthinghoe. The funding has been provided on an initial agreement for just under two years.
Rachel Geliamassi, Managing Director, Stagecoach West said: “Our top priority is to provide a sustainable service enabling reliable travel for work, leisure and health appointments. However, on occasion, there are days of the week when we are unable to balance the revenue and the increased costs of operating the route.
“We are delighted that we have been able to find a solution to reinstate an hourly Sunday and Public Holiday service on the 500 thanks to financial support from both Oxfordshire County Council and West Northamptonshire Council. We encourage more people to consider using the bus for their trips to Banbury at weekends so the service continues to grow, sustaining it for the future.”
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Highways Management at Oxfordshire County Council, says: “We are pleased to be able to support this service, which brings local residents from the surrounding area into Banbury to enjoy its retail and leisure offer as well as being able to access weekend employment opportunities. It is important for the town’s economy that it remains accessible by public transport, so we hope it will be well supported and can be sustainable after the initial funding period.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam