Senior Ron Harris says Codiac Transpo has moved the bus stops at least a block away from two grocery stores, which is too far for some seniors to carry their groceries. (CBC)

A former MP and mayor of Moncton is taking up the cause of some seniors who don't like the new Codiac Transpo routes.

Brian Murphy presented city council with a petition signed by more than 120 residents at People's Park Tower on Monday night.

Murphy urged council to review the bus routes, especially along Main Street.

"For a very populous group of seniors who do use the transportation system, it's not working, it's not working," he said.

Ron Harris, who lives at People's Park Tower and has been taking the bus for 15 years, says he used to go to two grocery stores every Friday — the Sobeys on Vaughn Harvey and the Superstore on Main Street.

But the bus stops in front of both of the stores has been moved at least a block away — too far for him to carry his grocery bags, he said.

"And I'm the young one at 75," said Harris. "Now take on those ladies with the walkers, and they're ill and they have a hard time to get around."

Some councillors said they thought a meeting with Codiac Transpo officials last Friday had solved the problem.

But Harris says it was just an attempt by Codiac Transpo to sell the seniors more propaganda.

Concerns also raised by federation

In December, shortly after the new routes were announced, the New Brunswick Seniors Federation said the changes were putting seniors who live on their own at risk.

Codiac Transpo cut back the number of bus stops on major routes in an effort to reduce travel times.

Hermance LeBlanc, of the federation, said some seniors might stay at home rather than walk half a kilometre to catch a ride and risk falling, particularly during the winter months.

Codiac Transpo revamped the service following the five-month lockout. Officials have said they intended the new service, which includes more buses being on 30-minute loops, to reduce travel times, shorten waits at transfer points and give Codiac Transpo the ability to expand or contract routes based on rider demand trends, which would help to boost ridership.

Some councillors said Monday they will try to deal with the concerns raised.