Don't stop the bus

Much has been made of An Bord Snip and its recommended nips and tucks but one thing that the facts and figures can't say is how cut backs, marked down on pieces of paper, affect the lives of often the most vulnerable people in society.Last Friday morning Salmon's rural transport bus left its spot on the square at Castlepollard before taking its usual route to Collinstown, on to Multy and then into Mullingar where its passengers spend a few hours shopping, having a coffee and catching up.But last week's trip had a twist as passengers on the Castlepollard bus were to meet up with those using rural transport from all over the county at O'Brien's garage on the Lynn Road before forming a convoy which travelled up Mount Street and onto Dominck Street where local politicians were waiting to support their cause.Travelling with the passengers on the hour-long journey into Mullingar revealed the real importance of the rural transport scheme. Facts and figures also don't take into account the pleasure had from a morning spent with friends on a bus trip to Mullingar which is often what is so important to these same passengers who have mostly all retired after a lifetime spent working and paying taxes, but who, in the main, don't know how to drive, or don't have cars. Passengers know who to expect at every pick up point along the way and there are one or two anxious waits at the front gate as late-comers struggle to get their belongings together for the journey. When on board they can relax for an hour and join in the banter - of which there is much to be had along the way.The social aspect of the rural transport link is coupled with the fact that many passengers use the bus for appointments at the hospital or with doctors, opticians and dentists. "I don't drive and I think that's the same for most of the people here," said Geraldine Smith who gets the bus religiously every Friday morning. "Last week I needed to get my eyes tested but this week I'm up for a bit of shopping and a coffee. There's not much here (in Castlepollard) and there's no Dunnes Stores which is the place that a lot of us get on the bus to go to."Having sometime to relax and chat in the "big" town is something which resonates with everyone on board. For people whose nearest neighbour might be several miles away, Salmon's bus is an essential, a lifeline."God I don't know what I would do if they cut this off us," said Teresa Nolan. "I wouldn't miss this trip and it's my one or two hours to get around the shops and enjoy myself. My husband takes me to Tesco for the food shopping and so when I get into Mullingar I start at Marks and Spencer and work my way down the street. Some people use it to get the groceries but I would only do that in an emergency, when I have no other way to get them. This is just some time for me to get out and about and I hope to God they won't cut it from us."The same sentiment is repeated by every passenger on the bus. This is not just a bus service but a lifeline for many people who would otherwise find great difficulty getting into Mullingar."You can see that this is more of a social outing than anything," said Labour councillor Dan McCarthy who has been more than vocal over the possibility of the rural transport link being axed."It is absolutely essential that this is retained. These are the people who have worked hard and paid taxes and why should they have this taken away from them?"The ladies and few gents on board the bus are worried that they won't have enough time to get around the shops because of the protest."Don't worry I'll give you all the extra time that you lost before we head back," said Alan Salmon.As soon as the meeting at Dominick Street is over passengers can be spied scurrying down Pearse Street excitedly popping their heads around the doors of the clothes and shoe shops. Last week the Mullingar Chamber of Commerce expressed it's dismay that trade was "bleeding" out of town into surrounding areas.If the rural transport scheme is cut Mullingar may yet have more blood to shed.