Missing the bus: Impacts of loss of bus services on the wellbeing of older adults

For many people, buses play a crucial role in connecting them with friends and family, and to opportunities such as employment, education, retail, leisure, and healthcare. During autumn 2023 sections of the North East region of England endured seven weeks without usual bus services due to industrial action. This study explores the impact of the loss of bus services on older adults living in the borough of Gateshead. Qualitative interviews with 15 older adults (aged 50–82 years) living in Gateshead explored their experiences of loss of bus services. Analysis of interview transcripts used an inductive approach to develop themes. Four main themes were identified: a shrinking world, striking at the heart of life, an unequal impact, and buses as a lifeline. The loss of bus services meant people could not reach their usual range of destinations, travelled less often, and felt a sense of entrapment in their homes. They missed healthcare appointments, social interactions, and were restricted to more localised services. People experienced a loss of freedom, independence, and control over their lives. The impacts fell disproportionately on people with existing social or economic disadvantages. Older people described harmful consequences for their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Impacts were unequally distributed and exacerbated underlying inequalities. Buses play a vital role in supporting health and wellbeing, enabling independence, and addressing inequalities. This research adds evidence for transport policymakers to support the social wellbeing case for improving public transport. • Buses are an important enabler for older adults' independence and wellbeing. • Loss of buses restricted older adults' mobility and social functioning. • An unequal impact on those with existing disadvantages when buses did not run. • Adds evidence to support the social benefits case for bus improvements.