A new bus route between Abingdon and Didcot is being considered, but because of congestion problems at peak times in south Abingdon it may be routed via the A34, cutting out Drayton Road, Drayton and Steventon.

The possibility of a new service emerged following talks between Abingdon town councillor Alastair Fear who represents the Caldecott ward, Oxford Bus Company's commercial director Nigel Eggleton and Oxfordshire County Council's bus manager Allan Field.

The talks followed protests by residents at the bus company's decision to reduce the 35A Didcot-Abingdon-Oxford service to hourly from every 30 minutes.

The company said the service, which does not qualify for a subsidy, was losing money.

Mr Field said it was possible that the service could be designated as a premium bus route -- featuring a bus every 15 minutes, better bus stops and kerb levels for disabled access.

But this, said Mr Field, was a long-term objective.

He said congestion problems along Drayton Road could mean that the A34, and not the Drayton Road, might be chosen by consultants.

Congestion at peak times in Drayton Road is caused largely by the Drayton Road-Ock Street junction and the double roundabout.

Mr Fear said: "Everybody agreed that the peak time congestion at the Ock Street-Drayton Road junction has the effect of disadvantaging south Abingdon and nearby villages as a bus route.

"Some use the car and add to congestion on the Drayton Road. Other people walk to get an express bus into Oxford. Walking is not an option for everybody."

Mr Eggleton said he would consider whether some X3 or 35 buses could drop people off near the double roundabout, but this would depend on congestion in Ock Street.

In addition, the company said it would also consider whether the number 4 service via Cumnor to Oxford could visit south Abingdon as an extra daytime service.

abingdon@nqo.com Congestion at peak times in Drayton Road is caused largely by the Drayton Road-Ock-Street junction and the double roundabout. Morning peak time traffic often stretches back along Drayton Road to the outskirts of Abingdon and there are queues in Ock street and into Marcham Road. Bus schedules are disrupted.

Highways planners are aware of the problem and as part of the town's integrated transport strategy -- the main central area changes come into effect next year -- improvements to the junction are being explored, ranging from lights or widening the bridge.

Mr Fear said: "This is a key factor. Something has to be done to improve this junction to reduce traffic congestion that will benefit the town not just south Abingdon. The town council and the AbITS transport strategy Steering group is well aware of the issue."

Mr Eggleton said although the bus company was unable to offer anything new on peak time services through south Abingdon, he would consider whether some peak time X3 or 35 buses could drop people off near the double roundabout but this would depend on assessing congestion along Ock Street, and whether people needed the service.

In addition the Oxford Bus company would also examine whether the number 4 service via Cumnor to Oxford could lay over in South Abingdon as an extra service during the day.