BUS operator Stagecoach is using the local touch to improve services to rural passengers.

The company has introduced 'satellite' garages to provide country areas with more efficient public transport systems.

The move means that buses can be parked overnight near the start of their early morning routes, and at close to their last drop-off at night, and be driven by local people, who know each area and each community.

Stagecoach local service manager Simon Mathieson said the outstations helped maintain a strong relationship with towns and villages where residents relied increasingly on public transport.

Stagecoach has three outstations in Oxfordshire at Chipping Norton, Bicester and Harwell.

Mr Mathieson said: "At Chipping Norton, more and more people particularly those with concessionary travel passes are regularly using the services the satellite garage provides.

"Demand on these routes has led to the number of double deckers at the outstation increasing from three to five, to meet the need for greater capacity.

"At Chipping Norton, we have a dedicated team of seven full-time drivers, who know their passengers and the relationship with the customer is very strong.

"Passengers benefit from having drivers who are part of the community and understand the needs of local people."

He said: "Before we had satellite garages, empty buses had to be driven to and from Banbury or Oxford at the start and end of each day, which was not economical."

Oxfordshire's reigning bus driver of the year' Jim Wright is on the Chipping Norton team, where he operates services between the town and Oxford, Woodstock, and Charlbury.

Mr Wright, 44, said: "We know all the passengers and are on first-name terms. Morale is very good here. Everyone is happy and the team works together."