Are you or your elderly friends relying on local buses to travel between Eastleigh, Chandler’s Ford, and Hiltingbury?
What might happen to our elderly neighbours and those relying on the bus if the subsidies for public transport are reduced?
Hampshire County Council is asking for residents’ and stakeholders’ views in an eight-week consultation on options for applying budget reductions to subsidies for public transport and street lighting.
This consultation will close at midnight on Sunday 5 August 2018.
Please follow the link below and give Hampshire County Council your view about this matter:
On the Chandler’s Ford Friendly Neighbours Facebook page, Paula wrote this moving message and highlighted the seriousness of this issue, and how this would impact on many people in the Chandler’s Ford and Hiltingbury community.
Paula wrote:
“Hi lovely folk. I wondered if you might find the time to fill in the consultation feedback form about bus services.
In Hiltingbury we have no weekend bus service at all. Added to this as of last week the last bus from Eastleigh to Hiltingbury is at 3.10.
I was on a bus last week full of people who weren’t aware of the cutting of the service, one elderly lady with a walking frame heading for Hiltingbury was left upset, stuck by Waitrose attempting to ring a taxi to get home. I think this is completely unacceptable.
The consultation attached is looking at cutting subsidised services so it’s possible that we could end up losing the service entirely. I’ve been talking to elderly people in the area and many are telling me they are stuck in their houses at the weekend.
Another person told me about losing his licence because of a health problem and how upsetting it has been to find out the service is so poor in this area.
I personally am unable to drive for medical reasons and rely hugely on the buses. Even if you are a happy driver that rarely uses the bus can I ask that you please take a few minutes to support the members of our community that rely on these essential services by filling in the form (The consultation ends on August 5th).
I plan to also start a petition and would really appreciate your kindness and support. Thank you!”
Funding cuts to local bus services would leave many people isolated and for them to lose their independence. Chandler’s Ford Today would like to urge local residents to help save our bus services.
We hear that Hampshire County council want to charge 50p for every trip you take with your Bus Pass. This is not the right way to go. I would consider a contribution of an administrative fee of £10 each year. This would pay for the manufacturing and implementation of Bus Pass cards. If you want a bus pass you could pay online or at the offices. There will be some who will be free but this could be determined by the council.
I’m ONLY 70 and still drive, so I’m not a regular User of the buses.
However I do find it convenient where I live to be able, for a change, to jump on the No 1. Bluestar Bus to Southampton or Winchester or the X6 X7 to Eastleigh.
Car Parking is not much of an issue in Southampton but, Winchester is a nightmare. Don’t know the Winchester area well and the No.1 is extremely convenient direct to the bus station.
X6 and X7 are also useful, as I’m now getting knee problems and a walk into Eastleigh, whilst it’s doable, becomes a no can do exercise.
Believe the X6 X7 ESSENTIAL for many older people.
I would also take up the issue of why both Companies bought such large vehicles , particularly the Bluestar No.1, for the narrow winding trip to Winchester. Very rarely do I see it full as it passes me. Or when I get it from Winchester.
Similarly the X6 X7. Always less than half full. Smaller vehicles with possibly slightly more frequent schedules would have worked.
Yes down to the Company Operators but, councillors should think of the damage to roads and infrastructure.
Former Member of the Institute Of Transport. Studied all Forms of Transport. Resigned Membership when I retired.
Sorry, The Chartered Institute Of Transport to give it its correct title.
Hi Malcolm,
Thank you for your comment.
Indeed the bus services are so important for the local people, not just for the elderly. Without regular buses, a lot of people would lose their independence and be isolated in their own home. As a society we talk about tackling the loneliness issue, and if essential funding is cut, it will make a lot of people more vulnerable.
I agree with you that there should be more regular bus services for X6, X7 in this area.
Bluestar 1 has been upgraded. The seats seem to be more comfortable. Upstairs there are a few seat arrangements similar to those on the train, where 4 people share a table. I find this useful for people travelling in a small group.
Thank you for sharing with us your knowledge about transport. We would love to hear from you again.
No Problem Janet. When I get time or make time to comment, I will try to be as focussed as possible. Rgds. MP.
I FULLY SUPPORT the continued running of the X6 X7 buses to Eastleigh and Hiltingbury Area . Essential for anyone in these areas who doesn’t have a car and is incapacitated in any way,
Also the Nbr 1 Blue Bus although I don’t think this is affected.
50p Fee ? I believe, in the Grand Scheme of things, this is an imposition to many older people and just another money grabbing idea.
The Companies should be looking for more ways to cut costs e.g. as I suggested , smaller vehicles with specialised entry exit doors for older people .
Although I’m relatively new to the Area the business , albeit small , I and friends take to these areas , doesn’t justify this 50p charge. Thankyou. MP.
Malcolm,
You can fill out the online form (following the link in this blog post), and share your thought with Hampshire County Council, as they are collecting feedback.
You have great points and I hope you get to share them with the authority as well.
I just want to say that there are many elderly people who rely on this service & without it it is their only contact with others in the same situation.
Mavis,
Many thanks for your comment. I totally agree with you and have submitted the form indicating my view.
Thanks For your comments Mavis. I made my comments known on this Forum. I’m afraid I don’t have the time to write here there and everywhere.
However I totally agree with most of the comments.
I believe the X6 and X7 ARE VITAL for lots of people including the Elderly.
I’m just fortunate that I’ve got a car and am not yet disabled. Hopefully not for a few more years yet , at least.
50p Penalty is , I Believe, an imposition to all travellers . I’m able to afford but, I think after all the years some of the local people have used these services , the Company or Council should cover this.
OK have to go. Rushing to the Eastleigh Metropolis. Rgds.
Malcolm Pickup.