Derbyshire County Council (DCC) is currently carrying out a public consultation regarding local buses.
The authority wants to hear what people think would improve services, and what would encourage them to use the bus more. People have until March 18 to share their views.
A spokesman for the council said: “We are updating the plan we have for improving bus services – the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) – and as part of this are seeking feedback from residents and other stakeholders on how they use services, any problems they experience and ways to improve bus travel across the county.
“We were awarded £47 million to improve bus services in 2022 and, following the award of a further £4.5 million indicative funding, are considering next steps to continue the enhancement of local bus services to March 2025 and beyond.”
Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport at DCC, councillor Charlotte Cupit, said: “Feedback from residents and other stakeholders is important to the council in helping to inform plans to improve local bus services.
“We know public transport can be a vital service, providing links to work, shopping, and friends and family. We encourage you to let us know how best we can make those links work for you – this is your chance to highlight what works, what is causing you concern, and your suggestions for the future.
“Whether you already use the bus or not, your feedback is valuable. The council would also welcome feedback from public, private and voluntary organisations who have an interest in making bus services in the county better.”
Recent improvements and promotions that have been funded by BSIP include:
• improvements to more than 20 bus services, including extra early morning and evening buses, some buses going from one an hour to two an hour;
• new services and extensions to existing services have also been introduced, such as the X17 which now reaches Matlock Bath and Wirksworth and the Peak Sightseer, an open top bus which tours the Peak District National Park’s most popular destinations;
• improvements at key bus hubs, such as Heanor Market Place, Bamford, Long Eaton, and Hayfield to make them better places to wait for buses, with further work planned at 14 sites;
• additional real time information screens installed at over 70 locations across Derbyshire to provide up-to-date information for passengers – with further signs planned as well as improvements to bus timetable and stop information;
• free travel on six Sunday mornings for everyone during Summer 2023;
• £1.50 single fares for young people 11 to19 with a b_line card;
• the introduction of a new Demand Responsive Transport service in the north east of the county;
• travel signal refurbishment on bus routes in Derbyshire to give bus priority;
Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “Local people deserve a modern, reliable, and affordable public transport system. I’m delighted to have worked alongside the local council and local MPs to give Derbyshire County Council over £47 million to boost its bus services.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for residents and businesses across Derbyshire to provide direct feedback to the local council on how they can improve local bus services, so that passengers can use the bus easily and with greater peace of mind.”

The questionnaire is open for responses until March 18, 2024. To give your views on bus services in the county got to www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport-roads/public-transport/news-notices/derbyshire-public-transport-news-and-notices.aspx

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