Seniors fear being stranded over bus route changes
Proposed plan will move stops creating problems for those with mobility issues
As Calgary Transit proposes changes to about 40 routes across the city, seniors living in the southeast are concerned how they will get around if their two bus stops are removed.
As three new BRT routes will be introduced in the fall, Calgary Transit is looking at modifying, changing and reducing duplication due to new levels of service.
Routes 26 and 57 both stop in front of Bethany Riverview Village in Dover, which is home to 450 seniors. The proposed changes would see the bus stops move further down the street, which would create complications for those with limited mobility.
“When they take the 26 and the 57 away … the seniors with walkers can’t get to the bus. They can’t do it,” said Wendy Chrunik, who lives at the senior centre and has been advocating against the changes.
“Some of them can barely make it to 26th Avenue to get to the 26. We are trying desperately to try to get somebody to understand that we can’t do it.”
The routes enable the seniors to get their groceries and travel to Marlborough Mall, where Chrunik said many will go for doctors’ appointments and medical treatments.
“If they take those buses away, in the wintertime, these people will be stuck here 24-7. We can’t afford cabs, we’re low income here. Everywhere that we go, we need that bus to get there.”
Transit spokesman Michael Cox said information from local residents is welcomed.
“We need to understand how people use transit and their feedback will help us finalize these routes,” said Cox.
“We’ve been pushing that we really want feedback from people.”
The neighbourhood could end up with three bus routes that used to be covered by two, said Cox.
“The 26 will actually be replaced by the 131, which is on 28th Street S.E., and routes 43 and 135 will then be on 36th Street and Route 58 will be on 44th Street.”
He added any changes won’t go into effect until November, but riders will get advance notice in late summer or early fall.
But if the changes are made, Chrunik is still concerned about what will happen come winter, when she said the sidewalks aren’t very clear.
“I’ve seen seniors going with walkers on the street, trying to get up there to go to the drugstore. It’s just not feasible for these seniors.”
The city is accepting input about the proposed changes online at engage.calgary.ca/busreview before May 18.
If they take those buses away, in the wintertime, these people will be stuck here 24-7. We can’t afford cabs …