Public transport is a lifeline for those living in Marston, particularly without cars.

The impact of the Botley Road Closure and congestion charges on Marston Ferry Road have increased frustrations for residents in New Marston, who feel isolated and cut off from the train station, Headington and Summertown.

Old Marston is dependent on the 14 Bus Service: this service has suffered from disruptions through Old Marston due to construction and highway maintenance and has left many residents unable to travel to Summertown, Headington or the City Centre – and communication from Stagecoach has been poor at times.

Marston has no medical centres, large leisure centres or shopping areas – so people are dependent on good, regular, cheap travel links to these areas for their daily activities.

The X3 is notorious for being the most unreliable bus service in Oxford, with passengers regularly experiencing a wait time of 30 – 50 minutes. This is particularly concerning when passengers are travelling to the JR Hospital for appointments, or important events in Oxford City Centre; and the frequent, long delays add considerable anxiety to passengers on their journeys.

Passengers travelling from New Marston to the train station, Summertown or Headington have to use 2 buses, pay twice and wait considerable time at bus stops, for a relatively short distance to nearby areas.

This petition calls on Oxfordshire County Council, Oxford Bus Company and other bus companies to urgently improve bus connections to Marston.  Specifically:

1)    Urgently improve the reliability of the X3 Bus Service, so that it arrives regularly and according to the published timetable.

2)    New local buses link New Marston to the train station, Summertown and Headington.