ON Monday morning last week, I waited for the bus which replaces the train. It arrived 10 minutes late, was far less comfortable and took twice as long as the train, even though it was ‘half-term’ and congestion is much less heavy than usual.

Even if normal traffic adds no congestion (a fantasy), the new rail service (in 2015) will make the journey in only a quarter of the time.

Residents of Islip, nearby villages, and Bicester are the lucky ones, and can look forward to fast, comfortable and predictable transport into Oxford, as well as out to other destinations.

Sadly, those elsewhere in the many satellite settlements, despite their increasing dependence upon the city, are stuck with the bus.

Of the 11 stations around Oxford, only four are now open. Islip and Bicester Town would probably have remained closed, or been closed again, but for local action.

We must be grateful for the backers of Chiltern Railways (Deutsche Bahn) for modernising the link to Bicester, but must ask why there has been no similar investment by the Government, county and UK rail industry in reopening more closed lines and stations?

It is not just (comparatively wealthy) long-distance commuters who deserve decent transport, on a par with what is normal on the continent; those (typically less wealthy, but more numerous) who work locally deserve it too.

Given the increase in severe weather events with which we are struggling to cope, one other advantage of rail (light or heavy) must be emphasised: it is far more robust and resilient than roads can ever be.

Dr Ian East
Chairman, Oxford-Bicester Rail Action Group
Kidlington Road
Islip