Foreign language students blamed for bus problems again (From Oxford Mail)

Foreign language students blamed for bus problems again

9:30am Monday 30th July 2012 in Oxford

OXFORD passengers claim buses are crowded with language students despite attempts to tackle the problem.

They have told the Oxford Mail how buses often pass by, unable to stop because they are full.

Cowley resident Murray Harding said: “On my way home from work recently I couldn’t even get to the bus stop in St Aldates because of the crowds of language students.

“Many times the bus just goes past because it is already full.”

Last year a forum was set up between some of the schools, Thames Valley Police , Oxford City Council and the bus companies.

Its aim was to tackle issues which arise each summer, from transport problems to anti-social behaviour in Oxford’s parks.

So far this summer there have been no reports of problems in parks, but there have been issues on buses between Cowley and Headington and the city centre.

Hugh Jaeger, of Bus Users UK Oxford, said: “I have encountered language students who don’t seem to understand the concept of queuing, but the bus companies have done quite a bit of work.”

Simon Talbot, head of student services at Oxford-based British Study Centres, said: “They have got to use buses to get around.”

Phil Southall, operations director of Oxford Bus Company , said: “We have extra vehicles, and senior staff dedicated to managing the students’ travel plans. We make changes when we have warning of large numbers travelling.”

Robert Williams, of Stagecoach , said: “We are doing our best to meet the demand.”

Ruth Chambers, executive director of the EF language school in Pullens Lane, said: “We work hard to ensure the community is not inconvenienced by the presence of our students.”

Forum chairman, Chief Inspector Cecilia Agger, said the group constantly reviews the situation.