Jericho bus in danger

Residents are asked to support the Jericho bus, which is at risk from Council budget cuts. The County currently spends £3.7 million subsidizing bus routes that are socially valuable but do not earn enough revenue from fares. Of this, £106,000 is used for the No. 17 Jericho bus which runs from Cutteslowe via Jericho to the city centre. Another reason for the subsidy in this case is that the tight corners and narrow streets in Jericho require Stagecoach to use a bus smaller rather in the standard fleet which probably makes it more expensive to operate. The Jericho bus is unusual in the bus world There are two options being proposed. One is to remove all subsidies, in which case the No 17 would probably disappear. The other is to reduce bus subsidies by £2.3 million. This could be achieved by confining subsidies to services likely to be used by older or disabled people traveling off-peak. This is definitely the case for the No. 17. In which case the service could survive. Members of Jericho's Alive and Kicking group have written to Ian Hudspeth, Leader, Oxfordshire County Council, to say they are horrified to learn of the threat. "The ages of our members range from the 60s – 90s and we use the bus several time a week to get into the City Centre or to travel to Summertown, Cutteslowe or connect with buses to the John Radcliffe. Without this route, we would be virtually cut off from the centre of the City and other areas of the City "It is well known that older members of the community are becoming increasingly isolated and regular transport systems are vital to the good health and quality of life of the older citizens of Oxford." Margaret Donaldson, long time Jericho resident aged 91, and a regular user of the 17 bus services says: “The 17 bus is a must for the residents of Jericho. Many pensioners live in Jericho and they have paid their Income Tax, Council Tax and National Insurance all their working lives, for 40 – 50 years. Many have to get to hospitals for appointments and treatments, the 17 bus is the only means of transport to get into town or Summertown to get connecting buses, and to go into town for shopping and to meet their friends. We also have a struggle walking up Cranham Street to get up to Walton Street, so how can we walk into the town centre? Or are we just to stay in Jericho and keep quiet. We will fight to keep this bus service – our lifeline!” Jericho Community Association Secretary Jenny Mann says: "When I broke my shoulder recently I realised the value of our little Jericho bus - it is a lifeline into town or up to Summertown shops for people who are disabled or elderly. "There are older people in Jericho for whom the uphill incline up to Walton street is challenging, made more difficult if a walking aid of any sort is used. There are also obvious benefits for parents with toddlers. We should remember that the Children's Centre was located in Cutteslow, on the assumption that it could be used by people in Jericho. This bus is the only direct link to these facilities. "In addition it is worth reminding the Council that many people in Jericho do not have a car, only 47% compared with 67% across the city (2011 census figures). They are therefore making a contribution to reducing traffic and pollution in the city and it seems reasonable that the Council should make public transport easily accessible to them." To read the Council's consultation document Please click HERE. You can respond in several ways. The consultation closes on 14 September. 1. By email -- to orcc@oxonrcc.org.uk 2. My post to: Supported Transport Consultation FREEPOST OXFORDHSIRE COUNTY COUNCIL 3. Online by registering as a consultee, and then completing a questionnaire To go to the website for this consultation, please click HERE