GWR - Keep Our Vital Train Services Running

GWR's revised timetable from December 2023 for the Banbury to Oxford line removes two of the most vital commuting services for the intermediate stations Kings Sutton, Heyford and Tackley. These services are used every day by many workers and schoolchildren – not just from these villages but from the surrounding areas.

Specifically, these are the morning service which arrives into Oxford at 0905, and the evening service which leaves Oxford at 1755. These trains are very well used, and are the services which are most closely aligned with an average person's working day, so this seems an extraordinary change to make.

The re-timing of the services mean that (for Heyford) there are trains at 0741 and 0955 in the morning but no other trains stopping in between – meaning that there are no trains available at the key times many people need to travel to work. In the evening there are return services leaving Oxford at 1653 and 1859, but again nothing in between.

This would result in a significantly longer working day for many, and if this change goes ahead, many of the affected people from these areas will inevitably end up driving instead (if they are able to), meaning additional cars on the road.

These train services that fit with the working day are vital for people in living in Oxfordshire villages – help us continue being able to use public transport for our daily commutes, and avoid unnecessary car journeys.

After signing the petition, please also consider lodging a complaint by contacting GWR Customer Services directly at [email protected] and let them know how you will be affected.