Going Forward Buses, which operates services between Long Wittenham and Didcot, hopes to start running a limited service on all routes but using only one bus from Monday 6th July.
There is an emergency timetable which will probably apply until September when the situation will be reviewed.
Government advice is not to use public transport unless it is absolutely essential. Instead people should walk, cycle or use cars. For health and safety, only a few passengers will be carried on each journey so if too many want to use the service some may be left behind. Another requirement is that a suitable face covering must be worn on all buses and trains.
The company does not have the technology to accept contactless payments so passengers should place fares in the red box at the front of the bus. No change is given. There is a flat fare of £4 for all journeys and concessionary bus passes continue to be accepted.
Because only one bus is being used, Long Wittenham will be served by the D1 on Mondays and Wednesdays at revised times. The proposed timetables are now on the Going Forward Buses website, but are subject to change. The services are also subject to the approval of the Traffic Commissioner, so please keep checking the website for any updates.
In 2019 each of the South Oxfordshire District Councillors had a discretionary grant fund that they could allocate to worthy causes. Just before lockdown the company was awarded £8,000 to buy a replacement bus.
The bus company’s chief executive Mike Ward said: “Thanks to the councillors for their kind contribution which will also help us to keep up the reliability of our services and hopefully, once things return to normal, expand our operations in the future.”
For more information email littlebluebus@yahoo.com.
