The Oxford Bus Company has hit back at claims public transport causes more problems in the city than cars.

Controversial county councillor John Power has called for the city centre bus loop to end, for the re-routing of some services and for companies to run north-south services only.

The Oxford West councillor also criticised the frequent sight of 'parades' of empty Buses.

But Nigel Eggleton, commercial director of the Oxford Bus Company, said: "Councillor Power is a much respected and hard-working councillor, but his claims that buses are the problem not the solution needs closer scrutiny.

"Buses can't be full all the time -- not everyone wants to go in and out of the city at the same time.

"In the morning rush-hour, lots of passengers want to travel into the city centre, but few want to leave -- it's the opposite in the evening.

"A bus drops off its full load of passengers, but then has to go out lightly loaded to come back full again. That is a reflection of our society, not inefficiency.

"A significant number of passengers are making cross-city journeys and wouldn't thank Mr Power if they had a long walk from one bus stop to another to complete their journey.

"Most of the services in the city centre are commercially operated, without subsidy, so how would we survive if so many buses were empty all the time as he claims?"

Mr Power's comments came after the county council's policy-making executive failed to endorse several key recommendations contained in a report drafted to combat city centre pollution.

He described A Breath of Fresh Air -- a joint city and county council report -- as 'a waste of time'.

Mr Eggleton added: "Nearly half of all journeys into the city are by bus. If a significant number of those switched to cars, where would they park?

"Oxford is unique in having two major bus companies competing on so many of the routes. But if there was only one firm, the number of buses in use couldn't be significantly reduced, such is the demand for travel.

"Many ask why the two firms can't get together and swap services in the city centre. Well, it is simple -- it would be illegal."