Some of the bus services have had extended routes to additional places, whilst others have extended running times in the morning and evening or have more buses running per hour than before.
The increase in passenger numbers for 5 of the increased services follow. The percentage demonstrates the increase in passenger numbers in the first 9 months of each service when compared to the same period from the year before:
- 185/186 Buxton Buzz Burlow – Fairfield: 59% increase
- 61 Buxton – Glossop: 25% increase
- X17 Barnsley – Wirksworth 25% increase
- Transpeak Derby – Buxton: 23% increase
- 272 Castleton – Sheffield: 7% increase
The recently launched ‘Peak Pathfinder’, number 62 bus, which provides a direct link from Buxton to Castleton for the first time, has also already been a success since first launching last month. Peak Pathfinder allows residents from the Hope Valley to access the health, shopping and leisure facilities in Buxton and Chapel-en-le Frith and also allows improved access to this section of the Peak District National Park for residents and visitors to our area. Peak Pathfinder has had a fantastic start, with hundreds of regular weekly passengers already taking advantage of the new route.
Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said:
“It’s good news to see that the council-funded improvements being made to our bus services are having such a positive effect, with so many more people choosing the bus to travel.”
“The £47 million BSIP scheme aims to improve bus travel in Derbyshire, and these increased services are just one part of the work being done to achieve this.
“There have been even more extra services commissioned recently across the county, which we hope will continue to encourage people to give the bus a go for travelling around Derbyshire. As well as supporting new and enhanced services we’re also continuing to work with our operators on existing services.”
Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood said:
“Buses are an affordable and sustainable travel option and it’s fantastic to see the number of bus passengers in Derbyshire growing so quickly, as more and more people choose the bus to get around.
“Our Better Buses Bill will help Derbyshire continue transforming its local bus network by empowering local leaders to give local passengers the modern, clean and efficient bus services they can truly rely on.”
The BSIP scheme has now funded enhancements to over 30 services across Derbyshire. Find out more about the latest improvements.