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Older people’s needs must be considered before any decision is made to cut Bus Eireann services

Published 24/02/2015

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Age Action has expressed concern at planned cuts by Bus Eireann to a number of its Expressway routes, and the impact these changes would have on older people who use the services.

The company confirmed yesterday that it was planning to reschedule the number of stops served on route 7 (Dublin-Cork) and remove route 5 (Dublin-New Ross -Waterford). It said that some routes were incurring substantial losses and were unsustainable.

“The ending of routes and stops would have a huge impact on older people who have no other form of transport and who depend on these services to collect pensions, do their shopping, attend medical appointments and do the other basics of everyday living,” Age Action spokesperson Eamon Timmins said.

“It is vital that a social impact assessment be carried out as part of the review process, to understand  the human impact of these proposed changes” he said. “There must be more to the decision-making process than just financial cost. It is not sufficient for Bus Eireann just to discuss the proposed changes with the National Transport Authority to assess the service needs of an area.  Other transport providers may not accept the travel pass which older people depend on to get around. In such circumstances, older people may not be able to afford the services provided by alternative transport firms.”

Age Action has urged all parties concerned to ensure that the specific transport needs of older people are considered before any decision is made to change Bus Eireann’s service. Public transport is far more important to older people than to other sections of the adult population, with just 40% of men aged over-80 still holding a driver’s licence, and just 15% of women of over-80.

“If we are to plan for our ageing population we must ensure we have a transport system which enables older people to get out and about,” Mr Timmins said.

 

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Age Action Ireland to benefit from Gas Networks Ireland Survey

Gas Networks Ireland is raising money for Age Action. If you've recently called their contact centre or had work done by them, you might receive a text from Gas Networks asking for your feedback. For every response received, they'll donate €2 to Age Action. There is no obligation to participate.

How It Works - If you've had contact with Gas Networks Ireland service centre or had work carried out by them, you may receive a message from Marie Lyster, their Customer Experience Manager. This message is an invitation to share your feedback. 

By providing feedback – only if you choose to – you'll be supporting Age Action Ireland. For every piece of feedback received, Gas Networks Ireland will donate €2 to our organisation. This contribution can support our efforts to improve the lives of older people in Ireland.You won't be asked for any bank details or money. Gas Networks Ireland is handling all the donations.

If you would rather not get these texts, just let them know and you won’t be included.  If you are over 65yrs old, you can contact them directly on their Age-Friendly service.  See their contact details here.

For Corporate Clients- Please note that Gas Networks donate €50 for each qualitative interview their commercial customers take part in.

Details on Gas networks customer surveys is available here.

For more information about our work and other ways to get involved with Age Action, please click here.