A new community transport scheme is in the process of being formed for the benefit of all Wallingford residents after some were left without a bus service. 

The scheme’s development was kickstarted with the help of £27,000 of grant funding provided by Oxfordshire County Council.

The grant was designed to improve community transport by funding new vehicles, providing new services, offering administrative support and carrying out surveys of potential passengers.

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Wallingford town councillor Mark Hoskins is spearheading the new transport scheme’s formation.

He said: “Even before my election to the town council last year, this was an idea I always had and wished to make a reality.

"It came from having conversations with residents, especially in the north of the town, and it was clear many would benefit.

“One lady I spoke with was upset that bus services had been taken away and said that taxis cost £6 just one way to get into the town centre.

“I spoke with other contacts including our county councillor Dr Pete Sudbury, who suggested setting up a pilot scheme to generate evidence, and then expand the idea further.

“This is intended to be a great transport system for anyone who needs or wishes to use it. 

"Although, understandably some groups will have greater need than others, such as the elderly or those who are less mobile.”

Wallingford town councillors discussed the scheme’s development at their most recent meeting on Monday evening (February 19).

At the present time, the scheme remains in development and is not yet effective nor fully formed and operational.

Mr Hoskins added: “Our first step will be employing a part time professional to coordinate these ideas with a view to putting something permanent in place.

“I would like a person to be appointed by the end of May, hopefully and get things moving by this year. I have spoken with Going Forward Buses too.

“I imagine the transport service would be semi-scheduled.

"I like the idea of an electric hopper bus that people can put their arms out to and jump on after establishing routes and times. This would also reduce vehicular pressure on the town centre.

“Running the service twice a week from the beginning would give people more option.

"Fridays and Saturday mornings would be good days for enhancing access to the market and the shops in town.”

Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire county councillor and cabinet member for transport management, said: “Most of us take it for granted that we will be able to get to the places we need to. However, when people can’t drive or access public transport, they can be stranded.

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“That’s why Oxfordshire’s active and diverse community transport sector is such a lifeline to so many people.

"From small volunteer car schemes to larger minibus schemes offering timetabled services, we are incredibly grateful to all those who work so hard to keep our residents mobile.

“We know these grants will make a big difference to all these organisations."