As students attending college in Preston, we are constantly faced with the challenge of unreliable public transport. Our education is being disrupted due to buses that are often late or so full that boarding becomes impossible. This not only adds stress to our daily lives but also hampers our ability to reach college on time and return home efficiently. We put a lot of effort into our education and believe it should not be compromised by inadequate public transport services. We also understand that this is a problem in many other areas in Lancashire, and in England.

For example, drivers are often late which is understandable as sometimes it is something which cannot be helped, however myself and other students have agreed that this has become a regular occurrence. Many times, the buses have been 20, 40 or even an hour late which impacts our attendance at college, and the good impressions we want to make regarding our teachers. It also creates extra added stress, which is unneeded especially with the forever looming stress of A levels. 

Preston is a city with a significant student population, many of whom rely heavily on public buses for their daily commute. However, the current state of bus services in the area is far from satisfactory. According to Transport Focus's Bus Passenger Survey 2019, only 65% passengers were satisfied with punctuality while overcrowding was an issue for 23% passengers in Preston.

We urge local authorities and bus companies operating in Preston to increase the frequency and reliability of bus services especially during peak hours when students commute. By doing so, they would not only improve our daily lives but also contribute positively towards reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

We call upon fellow residents of Preston who share these concerns or have experienced similar issues with local bus services to sign this petition. Together we can make sure that every student has access to reliable transportation which will enhance their educational experience rather than hinder it.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, we hope that you can understand out struggles and join us in the fight for victory. Please share as widely as you can. 

- Maryam Musa on behalf of the students at Cardinal Newman College and other colleges across England.