Welsh Conservatives have called on Labour ministers to reassure older people that they can use public transport again.
The call comes after a Western Mail story revealed that elderly people are still making only half the number of bus journeys they did before the pandemic, sparking concerning about isolation and mental health.
Welsh Conservative Older People’s Champion, Altaf Hussain MS, said:
“Older people have been fearful to leave their homes over the last 18 months because of the pandemic, but as things start returning to normal they need to know it is safe to do so again.
“For many older people, a bus ride into town for a bit of shopping is the only social interaction they have, so it is important that they know they can start doing that again, or we run the risk of their mental health deteriorating.
“Labour ministers should look at starting an awareness campaign to spread the message that it is safe for people to use public transport again.”