Last September’s changes to local bus routes impacted the lives of many residents. In the fifth of a series of articles, Elli Taylor explains the consequences for her family’s wellbeing and mental health
My husband and I have a son who is seven years old and autistic. We have lived in Wanstead most of our lives; we wanted to be close to my parents and liked the amazing bus network that used to work very well, when the buses ran every 15 minutes. I am totally reliant on these buses as I do not drive. We used the buses on a daily basis, for shopping, doctor and hospital appointments, errands and trips out just for a bus ride.
We didn’t hear about the bus route changes before they happened last September, and then suddenly, there was no bus and no one knew which bus to take. So, when I heard about the bus campaign opposing the changes whilst I was at the market on the High Street, I signed the petition and offered to help. I believe the buses are essential to live our lives independently.
No consideration has been given to the local community with the withdrawal and changes to the bus routes. My son is a wheelchair user (for his own safety); he used to love getting on the bus to go to the park. He would say hello to the driver – which is amazing for a non-verbal child, and hearing this would make my day – and give high fives to the other passengers! Not making these trips has had a huge detrimental effect on our wellbeing and mental health.
The last time we took the bus (W13), we waited 50 minutes; we were late for an appointment because of the delay. My son had the biggest meltdown during this time, hitting himself and repeatedly screaming: “Bus, bus bus!”
Doing shopping is a nightmare now, again something my son used to enjoy – bus trip, shopping, treat and bus trip home. The previous W12 (now W14) used to run every 15 minutes, then it became every 20 minutes, then every 30 minutes, and now, disgracefully, it’s every hour. We are struggling and feel let down by TfL and the Mayor of London, who says people should use public transport, but how can we? No one can wait on the streets for an hourly bus, especially in bad weather. What we went through over the winter is unforgivable.
We needed the service to care for my mother-in-law, who was very poorly with motor neurone disease. But not being able to get a regular bus was just too upsetting for my son, and I can do without the added stress for us both. Most of the time we have to struggle by walking, as waiting for the bus is still a nightmare; it’s impossible to wait for a bus for up to an hour! We used to use all three buses (W12, W13 and W14) regularly; now, nothing!
To join the Save Our Local Bus Services campaign WhatsApp group, visit wnstd.com/buswa
To view the petition, visit wnstd.com/bus
