Sir – Some contributors to the debate about Transform Oxford have expressed concern about cross-city bus services between the north and east of the city.

The Oxford Civic Society (OCS) has analysed how buses connect across Oxford. Whilst Oxford has an excellent bus service in many respects, most journeys other than those to the city centre involve more than one bus, and changing buses is often difficult due to long gaps in distance or time.

On top of that, lack of ticket transferability means that some legs of a journey are restricted to certain bus operators, unless passengers pay additional fares. A second finding of the OCS study was that some areas of the city are poorly provided for in terms of bus access.

For example the hospitals, the university science area, and the two business parks are difficult to reach from many parts of the city. A report of the OCS findings has been sent to the main bus companies and Oxfordshire County Council and it is hoped that the findings will be taken into account.

The OCS strongly supports the provisions of the recent Transport Act whereby transport authorities and bus companies can enter into ‘Quality Bus Partnerships’ on matters such as timetabling and ticketing.

We urge all parties involved to conclude such an agreement, and in the course of doing so to introduce better services across our city.

Richard Bradley, Oxford Civic Society — Travel Group, Headington