NEARLY 150 people have signed a petition asking Newport Transport to keep the evening buses to St Julian’s.

Under the route changes, which are starting this Sunday, the last bus to St Julian’s will be at 7.25pm every day.

Lindsey Hayes, retired, of Beauford Road, St Julian’s, who started the petition, said: “Due to the concern and anger of many St Julian’s bus users, I launched my petition aimed at persuading Newport Transport to restore this vital evening service.

“My petition has more than 141 signatures, mainly through speaking to passengers waiting for St Julian’s buses at Friars Walk and by passing the petition around passengers aboard the St Julian’s buses.

“Not only is the evening service needed by St Julian’s residents, but also by those who wish to come to St Julian’s from other areas.

“There are several churches and community centres on the St Julian’s estate that may be affected by the loss of the evening service.”

She said that, when speaking to the signers, she pointed out to them that Newport Transport needs the loyalty of passengers during the day in order to maintain their evening services.

“Newport Transport is the local bus company and has served Newport for many decades,” she said. “It is vital that it is supported.

“My petition will not be submitted to Newport Transport until a few days after the timetables have been brought into effect, when bus users have actually experienced the effect that the loss of the evening service is having on them.

“This may attract more signers.”

Earlier this month, the Argus reported that residents from across the city, particularly the Woodlands area in Malpas, are angry with route changes.

A Newport Bus spokesman said the changes had been made to “ensure the continued viability of the whole network”.

He said: “Newport Transport appreciates that some of our customers will be disappointed with these changes but the company can no longer support services and journeys that do not even cover operating costs.

“The company wish to thank our customers for their continued loyalty and understanding in difficult economic circumstances for the bus industry.”

For all the changes, visit newportbus.co.uk/announcements/network-changes-commencing-sunday-30th-october-2016