A bus stop on Botley Road has been branded "completely inadequate" after passengers raised concerns that it was "overcrowded and unsafe".

Large numbers of people have been gathering at the Osney Island bus stop at peak times since the rail bridge closed earlier this month.

This has made it difficult for pedestrians to pass and there is limited shelter for those waiting for buses in wet weather.

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And bus users have been spilling over onto the grass in front of St Frideswide’s Church.

The closure of Botley Road at the rail bridge means that buses are now terminating and beginning their routes at Osney Island.

This has led to a massive increase in demand at the bus stops on Botley Road.

Bus passengers travelling into the city now must cross under the rail bridge on foot and pick up a bus on the other side of the construction work.

One passenger said: “The rush is horrible when the buses arrive."

Oxford Mail:

Another added: “It’s so hard for me. I have a sick baby and I need to go the GP in the city centre many times.

“I wait so long and walk so long to get there. This is totally unfair.”

Councillor Emily Smith who represents the Botley and Sunningwell ward on Vale of White Horse District council has been in contact with Network Rail to ask for improvements to be made to the bus stop.

She said: "Given that most of the people using the Botley Road to get into the city are from outside of the city, and they have been planning this work for months, I am surprised by the lack of thought and communication from Network Rail about public transport options for people from Botley, Cumnor and beyond. 

“The bus stop at Osney Island is completely inadequate.

“It's too narrow and while Network Rail seem to understand the problem now, a workable solution is still not in place - weeks after they closed the road to buses.

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“Residents have suggested widening the footpath, additional bus stops to reduce crowding at this spot, and a stop on the other side of the road.”

Botley resident Chris Church uses the bus stop every day.

He said: “It is certainly a problem at rush hour.

“I wouldn’t describe it as chaos, but it is crowded."

He has suggested that Network Rail invest in some kind of tent or temporary shelter that people can use in wet weather.

Network Rail has said it is aware of the concerns raised about the Osney Island bus stop.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “Managing the closure area between Ferry Hinksey Road and the rail bridge is a very complex and challenging operation.

“With very limited space available, we have to balance the conflicting priorities of all types of road user that need to travel through that area on a daily basis, ensuring everyone can be kept safe.

“We are aware of the concerns about the bus stop next to St Frideswide’s Church due to the very narrow pavement.

“We are in discussions with Oxfordshire County Council, the bus companies and the church about what can be done to improve it.”

Oxford Bus Company were contacted for comment in relation to the claims made in this article.

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director said: “We share the desire to improve the bus stop arrangements at Osney Bridge.

"That said we’re mindful of health and safety concerns regarding construction traffic and the large, active construction site nearby, plus other traffic accessing side streets in the vicinity.

“We attended a meeting with Layla Moran MP, Network Rail and Oxfordshire County Council last week to review the situation and to understand whether any improvements may be possible, and if so what can be done and by when to improve the situation.

"We’re now awaiting further information from the County Council and Network Rail and will seek further discussions to attempt to progress this further.”

Oxfordshire County Council were contacted for comment but failed to respond.