In a distressing incident that highlights the challenges faced by our senior community, an 82-year-old retired yacht painter, Royston Pressley, was forced to crawl up a steep hill on his hands and knees in the village of Netley, Hampshire. This occurred after the local bus company, Bluestar, altered a route he depended on to reach his home. The image of Mr. Pressley struggling to ascend the hill is a stark reminder of the impact that public transport decisions can have on the elderly and less mobile members of our society.


Mr. Pressley, who has lived in his house his entire life and now relies on carers or friends due to his family having emigrated to Australia, expressed his dismay at the bus route change. 'It's a bit much taking the bus off us - that's the only way you get to Southampton from here,' he said. The bus stop on Ingleside in Netley, which was described as a 'lifeline' by residents, will no longer be used as part of the route.


The situation is not unique to Mr. Pressley. Many seniors across Australia and the world face similar challenges as public transport services are cut back or altered without considering the needs of those who rely on them the most. The elderly, who may not have the physical ability to walk long distances or tackle steep inclines, can become isolated and housebound when such lifelines are taken away.


Rachel Foulkes, a helper for the elderly, pointed out the broader implications of such changes. She emphasized that the elderly struggle with technology and the rapid pace of change in society, making them particularly vulnerable when public services are withdrawn. 'Isolation is the big thing for old people,' she said, highlighting the importance of maintaining accessible transport options for the elderly.

The incident with Mr. Pressley is a wake-up call for all of us. It's a reminder that as a society, we owe a debt to our elders who have contributed so much. We must ensure that our infrastructure and services, including public transport, are inclusive and considerate of their needs.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, it's crucial that we advocate for the rights and needs of our peers. We must engage with local councils, transport authorities, and elected representatives to ensure that the voices of the elderly are heard. It's not just about maintaining existing services; it's about improving and adapting them to serve our community better.


We can also support each other by sharing information about changes to services, offering rides to those who need them, and forming community groups to address these issues collectively. It's through solidarity and action that we can prevent more situations like Mr. Pressley's from happening.

Let's use this story as a catalyst for change. Reach out to your local representatives, attend community meetings, and make your voice heard. Together, we can work towards a future where no senior has to face the indignity and danger of crawling up a hill because they've been left without the public services they depend on.
We invite you to share your experiences with public transport in your area. Have you or someone you know been affected by route cancellations or changes? What actions do you think we can take to ensure our transport systems serve everyone, regardless of age or mobility? Join the conversation below and let's work together to make a difference.