Living in an area where public transport is a lifeline, the proposal to change our bus service 65 to an hourly schedule fills me with immense concern. As a disabled individual, reliant on this service for day-to-day activities, and a single parent juggling the demands of work and family, this change is nothing short of alarming.

The repercussions extend far beyond personal inconvenience. There are countless elderly individuals, other disabled persons, mothers with young children, and students attending school or college who depend on this service. For many commuters, it's the only way to access their places of work. The transition to an hourly service would inevitably lead to overcrowding. The tight spaces would pose significant challenges, making it near impossible to accommodate everyone, especially those with buggies, walkers, or other disability aids.

A crowded bus is not just an inconvenience; it's a barrier. More people will be left waiting at the stops, unable to board, while children will endure prolonged waits in potentially unsafe conditions, especially during the dark, rainy days that are all too common here.

Imagine a mother waiting in pouring rain with two young children at her feet. Picture an elderly gentleman leaning heavily on his walker, his face weary with fatigue, or a student whose earlier commute now means less sleep and diminished focus in class. These are our neighbours, our community members—people we care about.

We urge the local transport authority to reconsider this decision. Instead of reducing service, look into alternative solutions like optimizing current frequencies during peak hours, or implementing smart scheduling based on real-time demand. Let's explore options that don't compromise accessibility, safety, and reliability.

By maintaining the current frequency of bus service 65, we uphold the community's right to essential, reliable public transport. Please sign this petition to help ensure that every member of our community continues to have access to the services they need.