Blenheim [for Woodstock]

[whole diary]

[81F]

On 10 December Oxford Bus Co extend the Park+Ride route 500 northwards from Oxford Parkway via Kidlington and London (Oxford) Airport to Blenheim Palace and Woodstock.  I
This is a brilliant, low-cost initiative to bring many new journey opportunities and so far as I can tell is being done as a commercial operation without council subsidy.

https://parkandride.oxfordbus.co.uk/timetables-fares/500#timetable

[Richard Fairhurst]

It is indeed a smart idea, though I worry that it may reduce the viability of the existing S3 to Woodstock, with knock-on effects for those of us further along the S3 route.

[IndustryInsider]

I did wonder whether anything would happen to the 500 when the rail link opened fully to Oxford as any transferring rail passengers will no longer be using it.

As you say this looks like a great idea connecting Oxford city station with a direct bus to Kidlington, which I don't think it has had for many years, as well as improving on the Woodstock to Oxford city station service.  Also it will mean Oxford Parkway is better linked with Kidlington and Woodstock will have a direct connection to it.  Finally visitors to Blenheim Palace will find it easier to get to and from either Oxford station as a result.

Will be interesting to see how the S3 fairs as a result.

[ChrisB]

Hmm...wonder whether Chiltern has contributed in order to increase journey opportunites via Oxford Parkway?

[Andrew1939 from West Oxon]

I cannot see that it would be much of a threat to the S3. It will take longer - 40 minutes and only half hourly as against to 20 minute frequency of the S3 from Woodstock. It could possibly pick up people from the CL if current CL users drive to Woodstock but there is limited free parking in Woodstock as aginst £3.00 a day at Hanborough. Incidentally the 44 space extension to Hanborough car park seems to be finished to a high standard but is not yet in use as I cannot see any lighting installed yet.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Sorry, it's rather remiss of me not to have published the press release I received from Great Western Railway regarding the new car park facilities at Hanborough:

Over £240k work to Hanborough Station delivers extra parking
 
Great Western Railway has completed the £242k work to extend the car park at Hanborough Station.
 
The extra 43 space extension will allow even more people to take advantage of the railway for work, business and leisure.
 
The project builds on the railway company’s promise to deliver an extra 2,100 parking spaces in the next three years. The car park was officially opened by MP^▸ (Member of Parliament) for Witney Robert Courts, Leader of Oxford County Council Ian Hudspeth, and GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) Regional Development Manager Tom Pierpoint last Friday.
 
Robert Courts MP has said: “I am delighted to see further investment in Hanborough Station, and that this comes from a joint partnership between the Department for Transport and Great Western Railway. The overcrowding is a major issue affecting not only residents of Hanborough but rail users living in Bladon, Freeland, Witney and beyond. The extra spaces are much needed and I know will be welcomed by all residents.”
 
GWR’s Tom Pierpoint added: “More and more people are turning to rail for their local and long distance journeys; to meet this demand we have improved our timetable; and next year we will start to see brand new Intercity Express Trains on the GWR network, offering more seats and more frequent services. GWR is dedicated to supporting the communities it serves and this car park shows what we can achieve working together; with the County Council and the Department for Transport.
 
The car park will be officially opened on Friday 18 November at 0830.
 
The Leader of Oxford County Council Ian Hudspeth said: “There has been a growing demand over the years from people who want to park at the railway station. Not long ago there was just 26 space, and now there’s around 250. By working together, Network Rail, Great Western Railways and Oxfordshire County Council have been able to ensure there’s a choice for people who want to make part of their commute by train. Being able to park at the station and use public transport means that there’s less cars on the A40, which has to be a good thing.”

[ChrisB]

And someone forgot to invite the CLPG^» (Cotswold Line Promotion Group - about)....

[Andrew1939 from West Oxon]

re the announcement of the Hanborough car park extension.

When I passed by on Monday the new car park was not open as, I presume, the lighting has not been installed.

Secondly most of the local residents do not welcome additional parking as this brings more traffic onto the A4095 through Long Hanborough increasing the already lengthy peak hour delays on the road through the village.

Thirdly, how has the improved timetable improved Hanborough rail services? The current timetable has significantly improved since 40 years ago but nothing much has changed in the last few years as traffic has grown and all we seem to be promised is jam tomorrow.

[Chris from Nailsea]

... or a traffic jam today? 



Sorry for my sense of humour - I can understand the frustration of Long Hanborough residents.