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.

Bus stops serve community members by giving them access to public transport. Image Credit: Pexels/VH S

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with technology and the rapid pace of change in society, making them particularly vulnerable when public services are withdrawn.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.

Key Takeaways

• An 82-year-old retired yacht painter named Royston Pressley was forced to crawl up a hill on his hands and knees after his bus route in Netley, Hampshire, was changed, leaving him without a direct route to his home.
• Due to the route change, Mr. Pressley, who has no immediate family nearby and relies on carers and friends, may now become effectively housebound and is understandably upset.
• Local residents are pushing back against the bus company Bluestar, with some pensioners emotionally impacted by the change, which the company insists is meant to improve the overall service despite the inconvenience to some.
• There is a community effort, including from local MP Paul Holmes and caregiver Rachel Foulkes, to address the impact of the route change, which is exacerbating isolation issues for the elderly who are already vulnerable to challenges such as scam phone calls and technological changes.

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.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

10 years ago our local bus route was changed from running passed the end of our little cul-de-sac to ¾ of a kilometre away with the closest bus stop point. I'm 70 and the paths that the council have laid to the bus stop is so broken and in disrepair that I can't use my walker. The areas that have older houses are no longer deemed relevant as the newly built estates are now more catered to for their higher rate paying residents.

 

[Luckyus]

Happened to me once, some rotten bastard stomped on fingers and broke, It's a bugger lifting a glass with two hands.

 

[marni]

Not good enough. I wonder how
Many
Motorists drove past this scene?

 

[Barbara V]

Is it believable ?

 

[Mary_Again]

I rode on the 224 bus route for decades. First to Adelaide for shopping, then for university studies and finally, for over two decades of employment. Some mornings I would ride it at 5:00am to get to the city pool.
Then the "powers that be" decided to re-route the service through Mawson Lakes adding nearly 30 minutes to an already 60 minute trip. At the time I suggested they put on a movie, as there was now time for one. In comparison, a car journey would take barely 30 minutes. I travelled on the full route less often during the day, as the train was now considerably faster. I assume others found other routes too, as recently the route has been reduced, so that the bus only travels the full route from Elizabeth to Adelaide for a brief period during the day to get workers to and from work. The rest of the day and night it travels a shorter distance between Elizabeth and Mawson Lakes.
On the times I travelled this full route, I think I saw only two passengers make use of the new component, making this addition to the route questionable at best.
The problem is, this bus route was/is the safest route between Adelaide and Elizabeth. Other routes require one walking away from the busier areas at night into dark isolated spots where few people walk and standing in isolation in dark streets waiting for a bus. Further one must navigate through areas where police find it hard to control the criminal elements that run the city at night.
I letter was sent to the MP Tom Koutsantonis on my behalf, about the loss of transport options and his reply went on about resources. I wonder how much resources it would take to rehabilitate me if I were attacked at night, in my attempts to get home, or worse, for in-home-care if I became permanently incapacitated?
To travel home by taxi would cost the best part of $100. Add that to a $100 show ticket (not including the $10 booking fee) and that makes a very expensive night out.
As a result of course, I no longer go out at night. The last bus from Adelaide is 18:00 weekdays and 16:00 on weekends. I can no longer attend concerts or see the light shows. I can't do evening classes at TAFE or do late night shopping. I meet less people and have no reason to entertain. I buy less clothes, no evening wear or handbags, less shoes, jewellery and food.
Mr Koutsamtonis goes on about economics and statistics. As far as statistics go, I'd rather not become one.

 

[novezar]

Sounds as though his "Shanksers Ponies" aren't in very good shape at all. Poor bugger.