March 28, 2026 – Rapid Growth and Striking Momentum
Image: One of the single decker buses (Scania K230UB ADL Enviro300; 28622) where overcrowding has been noted on busy journeys.
I wanted to share a major update following yesterday's activity on the X7 campaign.
On March 27, 2026, the petition rapidly grew from 3 to 12 supporters in a single day, with most of those coming directly from passengers using the bus service; many of these sign-ups occurred during live journeys, where overcrowding was visible.
On the 16:07 Northampton-bound journey, the bus reached full seating capacity shortly after departing from Haymarket Bus Station, with over 10 standing passengers through the Leicester and Oadby section. There were over 10 standing passengers, further highlighting the significant pressure on capacity during peak periods.
Passenger observations showed that despite the large number of passengers getting off at Kibworth Beauchamp, the bus remained at full seating capacity beyond this point; this suggests that even at reducing demand, the service continues operating at or near its limits for much of the route. There was even one passenger who described the situation as rather dangerous, noting that even menial incidents could pose serious risks due to the number of standing passengers. This reflects wider concerns about both comfort and safety on busy journeys.
During these journeys, I interacted with passengers while distributing flyers that have proven to be effective. Several passengers scanned the QR code and immediately signed the petition, and this showcased strong real-time support from those experiencing the issue first-hand!
Additionally, the campaign progressed at an official level; a case was logged with Leicestershire County Council and passed to the Choose How You Move (reference: FS818862890) for further consideration!
Overall, yesterday marked a significant turning point for this campaign. The combination of real-world evidence, passenger engagement, and official recognition has begun to shape up a clear, evidence-based case for improving capacity on the X7 service.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign so far!
If you have experienced similar issues on the X7, your support and feedback are greatly appreciated! A promotion is not required, but every little always helps!