Some of the bus services have had their routes extended to additional places, while others had services extended into the evenings or at weekends or increased from 1 bus an hour to 2.
The increase in passenger numbers for 8 services follow, and show the increase in passenger numbers for the first 3 months of each service, compared to the same time period the previous year:
- X17 - Barnsley to Wirksworth – 35% increase
- ilkeston flyer - Derby to Cotmanhay – 9% increase
- my15 – Ilkeston to East Midlands Airport – 12% increase
- rainbow one – Nottingham to Ripley/Alfreton – 18% increase
- 65 - Sheffield to Buxton – 30% increase
- 157/159 – Matlock circular – 31% increase
- Transpeak – Derby to Buxton – 44% increase
- Buxton Buzz – Burlow to Fairfield – 38% increase
Our Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said:
“I’m pleased to see that the investment in these services is already proving positive for passengers in our area, and that they are being used by so many more people.
“We were awarded £47million from the government to improve bus services in Derbyshire, and these additional services are among a range of different initiatives we’re continuing to work to do just that.
“More improvements are coming soon, and we hope that they will be just as popular as the ones we have already put in place.
“We’re continuing the work to make travelling by bus an attractive option, with particular focus on reliability and affordability.
"I’d encourage everyone to try the bus, with fares for adults at just £2 for a single trip, and £1.50 for most routes for 11 to 18-year-olds with a b_line card it really does offer a great way to get around.”
The extra services are being paid for by government funding. We were awarded £47million to improve bus services in Derbyshire. We are working with all bus operators in the county to deliver a comprehensive set of actions over the coming years.