Community · Salisbury
Salisbury shopper bus service provides vital lifeline for older residents
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
A long-running community transport service in Salisbury is being recognised for its role in helping older and vulnerable people maintain independence and combat loneliness.
A weekly shopper bus service in Salisbury is continuing to play a crucial role in the lives of older and vulnerable residents, offering a consistent lifeline that helps passengers stay connected to their community.
Operated by Community Transport South Wiltshire (CTSW), the service runs every Wednesday, providing door-to-door transport that allows residents to reach the city centre for shopping, essential medical appointments, and social outings. The initiative has become a fixture for many, providing not only practical assistance but also a consistent social environment that helps to tackle isolation.
CTSW has been active in the area since 1996, evolving to meet the needs of those who might otherwise struggle to access public transport. For regular passenger John, the service is indispensable. He describes the bus as brilliant, noting that the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly, adding that he does not know how he would manage his weekly routines without the support provided by the volunteer team.
The impact of the service extends beyond the journey itself, as the bus often serves as a hub for building friendships. Volunteers like Adrian, a former police officer who has dedicated 11 years to the service, highlight the social benefit of the programme. He noted that the role is about much more than driving, as the passengers share a lifetime of experiences and stories, often becoming firm friends over the years.
Throughout his time volunteering, Adrian has supported a wide range of passengers, from former village postmistresses to a woman who remained an active user of the bus until she was 99 years old. The volunteer team is well-prepared for the needs of their passengers, with drivers providing assistance to those with specific medical requirements or those who may experience emergencies while in the city.
In addition to the Wednesday shopper bus, CTSW operates a variety of other services to support the wider Wiltshire community, including group transport bookings, car hire, and dedicated services through Amesbury. Residents looking for more information on the transport options available, or those interested in the support CTSW provides, can visit the organisation's official website.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original