I am writing in regard to the change of the bus route, eliminating the Morgan Street bus stop in front of Granite Manor. Granite Manor has 47 apartments and most of the residents, including me, are senior women. Many of them no longer drive and so rely on bus service, taxi, or private rides for transportation.
In the winter of 2012, I was without a car and used the bus service for six months. It was convenient to get to upper and lower Fairview, Chahko Mika Mall, and downtown Nelson. The reverse bus was especially good from Baker Street up the steep hill of Morgan Street to the bus stop.
It is unreasonable to expect women in their 80s and 90s to walk from Morgan Street, the length of Douglas Road to Fifth and Cottonwood Streets to the nearest bus stop. It will be impossible in winter. Minimal taxi fares are $8 per trip and obviously are much more than bus fare.
I understand a recent survey indicated “only a few people” used the Morgan Street bus. In my six-month experience on the bus, “only a few people” used the bus along the whole Fairview route.
I request on behalf of “only a few people” that the bus service be rerouted to include Morgan Street to serve some people who most need the service.
Lois Arnesen, Nelson
This summer the bus route that passes in front of Granite Manor was taken away completely. I used that bus stop quite a lot for shopping on Baker Street and the mall.
BC Transit, on the advice of City Hall, has taken away my independence. When I moved to Granite Manor, I sold my car, knowing that I could make use of the bus that stopped just across the street.
One day when I had not realized the services were curtailed, I rode the bus. We got as far as Mount St. Francis, and I thought I’d better get off as he was going down to Baker Street again. The bus driver told me he doesn’t go past Granite Manor anymore. I was very angry because I had already paid my fare. I asked how close I could get to my residence and he said not close. So I asked him to phone a taxi. I had to pay $8.95 for a taxi ride in addition to the $1.75 I had already paid for the ticket.
That day I paid $9.70 to get home. How far will a pension go at that rate?
I have payed taxes nigh on to 60 years or more to the City of Nelson, and this is what a senior can expect in service from the city?
What does our mayor and council care about the seniors who live in Granite Manor?
Elsie Popadynetz, Nelson
I have been living in Nelson since 1994. I was shocked to hear of the bus stop closing across from Granite Manor. I do not have a car, so I depend on the bus. I have enjoyed riding the bus very much. Taxis are costly.
I would like to go downtown more often to shop. But with no bus service, I’ve cut down on my trips because of the cost of taxi fare.
Anne Maskerine, Nelson