Page 2953 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 14 August 2019
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They cannot catch the light rail because they cannot get a bus there to catch it in the first place. It is an expedition for them to get to the light rail. I have not been on the light rail yet, but I am looking forward to giving it a go. I know a couple of people who have tried it and they liked it. That is always good. But when you take away people’s transport options, it makes them isolated and it makes them resentful—resentful that what seemed to be working perfectly well for them has been taken away for no apparent reason. I will read a letter from one constituent in Wanniassa who is aged 84:
I am writing this letter to express my disappointment and anger in regard to the new bus services which have recently come into operation in the ACT. My husband and I and our children moved to Wanniassa in 1983, as the area was a thriving new suburb complete with all the facilities within walking distance of our home, including schools and public transport.
Our intention was to grow old together in our local area as it continued to grow. Over the years, we have watched a lot of our essential services dwindle as they move to where new areas are opening up and where there is more demand in these new suburbs.
But because they move out of my area, I am forced to travel out of the area for services that had been here for years, leaving me one affordable option of getting around Canberra, which is public transport. I have relied on public buses to get to appointments, grocery shopping, et cetera, as I do not drive.
My husband died and I had a stroke a few years ago. I am not getting any younger and my health is not as good as it used to be. I was able to maintain my independence by using public transport, which allowed me to keep my appointments and buy the basics in food, et cetera.
I am now forced to rely on the new bus system, which does not even come near my place anymore, as the route has been abolished. The flexible bus service has been introduced, but has made my getting around Canberra very stressful and many hours to do a few simple things.
If I need to travel to get to Woden, I need to ring the required number 48 hours in advance of my travel, and it only takes me to Erindale or Tuggeranong, where I then need to catch another bus to Woden if I need to. For the return journey home, I have very limited time to catch the bus, which I have to book again within 48 hours in advance to get back to my home address. If I miss this bus, then I have to make my own way home, usually in a taxi.
I am fed up with the new Canberra public transport system, which no longer appears to care about the elderly. Major issues that now present themselves include the distance the elderly have to walk to get to a bus stop, the weather or the ability to do a weekly shop, as we cannot carry heavy bags up the hill to get to our homes.
Families can’t drop everything to assist us every time we need to see our doctor, buy food, pay bills, et cetera. I have used the Canberra buses for a long time now, but the latest timetable has ceased to be viable for me, as a simple task can now take me all day in travel time to get done.
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