A NEW bus route linking Oxford city centre to Littlemore was launched with a special journey by the Deputy Lord Mayor.

The 3A service runs between Speedwell Street and Oxford science park via Rose Hill, Littlemore and Sandford-on-Thames and was officially launched on Monday.

It replaces the T2 service which will stop operating on August 12 after its subsidy was withdrawn by Oxfordshire County Council.

Deputy Lord Mayor Rae Humberstone caught the 3A service on Monday along with councillors and other passengers.

Littlemore Parish Council transport representative Dorian Hancock, a regular T2 user, was one of those on board.

He said: "It is not just good news for a lot of people in Littlemore but it is good news that despite all the massive cuts, bus companies are actually trying to fill the gaps."

The service will run every 30 minutes and will serve the Kassam Stadium on matchdays, offering U's fans an alternative route to watch their side in action.

Littlemore city councillor John Tanner said: "When the county council is ending all bus subsidies this new 3A service from the city centre to Littlemore is fantastic news for commuters and shoppers.

"Well done to Stagecoach and Oxford Bus for making life better and listening to Littlemore’s pleas for a better bus service."