Elderly Man Crawls Uphill After Bus Route Axed, Sparking Community Outcry
An 82-year-old man was found crawling up a steep hill with his shopping after a bus route cancellation in Netley, Hampshire. The incident has prompted a community meeting and raised concerns about elderly mobility.
In a small village in Hampshire, a recent change in bus routes has led to unexpected consequences for its elderly residents. An 82-year-old man was discovered crawling on his hands and knees up a steep incline, struggling with his shopping bags, after the cancellation of a vital bus service in Netley.
The incident occurred following Bluestar's decision to modify its routes on September 1, 2024, aiming to enhance journey times in the area. However, this improvement came at the cost of eliminating stops serving Netley and neighboring villages, affecting approximately 20 passengers daily.
June Bangs, an 81-year-old resident, recounted the distressing scene: "I found the poor gentleman on his hands and knees trying to get home. He looked up at me and said, 'That hill is going to kill me.'" This event highlights the critical role public transportation plays in maintaining independence for elderly and disabled individuals, as mandated by the UK's Equality Act 2010.
The situation prompted an urgent community meeting, attended by over 50 people, including local MP Paul Holmes. The gathering underscored the growing concern over declining rural bus services in the UK, a trend exacerbated by funding cuts and reduced passenger numbers.
Rachel Foulkes, speaking on behalf of the 82-year-old man, explained, "He gave up his car two years ago and relies on the bus for everything. Bluestar have tipped his world upside down." This reliance on public transport is increasingly common as the UK's population ages, with projections indicating that one in four people will be 65 or older by 2050.
The impact of the route changes extends beyond mere inconvenience. Doreen Salter, 88, expressed her distress: "This has floored me. We are completely cut off. It is just a tragedy for us older people." This sentiment reflects the broader issue of social isolation among the elderly, often worsened by lack of accessible transportation.
While Bluestar maintains that the changes will allow for service extension beyond Southampton city center to Central Station, the decision has sparked a debate about balancing efficiency with community needs. This situation mirrors challenges faced by many rural areas in the UK, where the cost of running bus services is higher due to lower passenger numbers and longer routes.
"We understand the concerns raised by the Netley community. Our decision to modify routes was made to improve overall service efficiency. We are committed to working with local authorities to explore alternative solutions for affected areas."
As the UK government pledges to invest in improving bus services nationwide, this incident in Netley serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role public transportation plays in community well-being. It also highlights the need for innovative solutions, such as community transport schemes or partnerships with ride-sharing companies, to ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the pursuit of efficiency.
The situation in Netley reflects broader trends in UK public transport, including the introduction of electric and hybrid buses in cities to reduce emissions, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ridership. As communities and transport providers navigate these challenges, the incident in Netley underscores the importance of considering the diverse needs of all residents when making decisions about public services.
