New bus to provide lifeline to older people in Keynsham

A brand new vehicle is hoped to bring back independence to those who struggle with limited mobility in Keynsham. The town is located between Bath and Bristol and its older residents understand how loneliness and isolation can be created in communities where accessible transport is limited. While a person’s home may be fitted with the appropriate facilities such as a non-slip walk-in bath or shower, on public transport you often have to vie for space with pushchairs, which can put older adults off venturing outside.

The community is excited to welcome this generous donation and the local school ran a completion for the bus’s name. Leo Watt came up with the winning title of ‘Bumbo’. The bus will be operating on a volunteer run ‘dial a ride’ scheme. The 17-seater bus is expected to help those with limited mobility and older adults make important appointments and maintain their independence. 

The bus is worth over £30,000 and was the generous donation of Barratt Developments. The company have been building new homes on the Bilbie Green development and were looking to give back to the community.

Councillor Simmons, Member Advocate for Community Transport at Bath and North East Somerset Council, and Chairman of Keynsham Dial-a-Ride said:

“Dial a Ride is a lifeline for many people helping them to remain active, enjoy getting out and maintain contact with family and friends.

“I greatly welcome the new bus which is a fantastic addition to the service provided by our hard working dedicated volunteers and staff.”

Schemes such as Dial a Ride are important for communities with limited public transport or many homes that are a long walking distance from the bus stop. By enabling the older adults to retain their social lives, it reduces the possibility of loneliness which is known to have a significant impact on physical health as well as emotional. 

Image Credit: Alan Murray- Rust