Residents of Lobley Hill rely heavily on the X32 bus service as their primary means of public transport through the local estate. With only a single bus service available, our community finds itself constrained, particularly in the evenings and on days where service is limited. Currently, the X32 bus does not operate late enough into the evening and offers no service on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Imagine finishing a late-night shift, attending an evening class, or simply wanting to enjoy a social outing on a Saturday night, only to discover that your return options are astonishingly limited. This issue not only impacts individual schedules but also diminishes the quality of community life and accessibility for all residents, including the elderly and those without private transport.

Expanded service hours and additional days can make a significant difference. By extending the X32 service to operate until 11 pm Monday through Saturday and including services on Sundays and Bank Holidays, residents of Lobley Hill will have greater flexibility and improved access to the rest of Gateshead.

Improving public transport not only enhances convenience for users but also promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on cars. Data from the UK's Department for Transport indicates that improved public transport can decrease urban traffic congestion and contribute to lowering carbon emissions.

Local authorities and transport operators have a responsibility to ensure equitable access to public transportation. We urge Go North East, the operator of the X32, and Nexus to prioritize this pressing community need and reconsider the current scheduling constraints.

Please sign this petition to extend the X32 bus service and ensure that Lobley Hill residents are not left stranded. Our community deserves accessible and reliable transport options. Together, we can bring this essential change and improve the quality of life in our neighbourhood.