Views sought on improving bus services
DERBYSHIRE County Council is updating its plan for improving bus services (the Bus Service Improvement Plan, BSIP) and as part of this is seeking feedback from residents on how they use services, any problems they experience and ways to improve bus travel.
The council was awarded £47million to improve bus services in 2022 and, following the award of a further £4.5m indicative funding, is considering next steps to continue the enhancement of local bus services to March 2025 and beyond.
Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways assets and transport, 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.”
Recent improvements and promotions that have been funded by BSIP include:
■■Improvements to more than 20 services, including extra early morning and evening buses, some 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 to provide up to date information for passengers – with further signs planned;
■■Free travel on six Sunday mornings for everyone during Summer 2023;
■■£1.50 single fares for young people 11-19 with a b_line card.
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 £47m to boost its bus services.”
The questionnaire is open for responses until March 18.