Witney in Underworld song thanks to WOCT and Aditya Chakrabortty

West Oxfordshire Community Transport (WOCT), which provides daily services across the district, helped inspire one of electronic group Underworld's latest songs, thanks to Guardian columnist, Aditya Chakrabortty.

The writer visited the WOCT team last year and included Witney in his list of 'inspirational people, ideas and processes' that he suggested to the band as trigger words.

Witney is repeated in Underworld's track, Soniamode, which has been released on YouTube and Spotify for the world to hear.

The town is one of just four 'inspiring places' mentioned by Mr Chakrabortty, which has thrilled county councillor and WOCT director and chair, Laura Price.

She said: “It’s really exciting to hear Witney recognised in such a positive way. Our co-operative bus service is a great example of what can happen when residents are empowered to work with local government to find creative solutions.

“I can’t wait to see what other initiatives will blossom and grow with our new town council in place.

“I’m hoping the track will be made available on vinyl so that it can proudly join my record collection.”

WOCT launched early last year and connects several villages to Witney and Chipping Norton through its 210 service, while its 213/214/215 routes operate across the town.

Mr Chakrabortty visited the not-for-profit organisation last summer, calling it a 'lifeline' for residents needing to reach friends, family and amenities.

Writing in The Guardian last Tuesday, the columnist said he was contacted last December by a publicist from Underworld, best known for the track Born Slippy .NUXX, which featured in the film Trainspotting.

He was asked to send a list of 'inspirational' ideas that 'could easily be scribbled down'.

Alongside Witney was Granby, Rochdale and Preston, which have all launched various community initiatives.

As a result, the chorus of the 'Aditya Game Version' of Soniamode, released last Tuesday, repeats the four places on a loop.

David Miles, a WOCT volunteer and the parish representative on public transport, believes the song shows the bus service's impact.

He said: “People come from all over the country to learn about what’s happening with the bus service. Witney is very much a pioneer in showing how this sort of thing can be run.”

Mr Miles added: “There was initial scepticism, and it has been hard work to keep it going, but I hope it can continue to grow.”

WOCT's moment in the sun came days before Stagecoach withdrew its number 11 service, between Witney and Oxford.

However, Stagecoach also announced that 21 new buses on the S1 and S2 routes between Witney and Oxford will start running from August.

The song is available

.