Derby City Council has launched a survey asking citizens to share their thoughts on bus services within the city.

In March 2021, the Government published its vision to support the recovery of bus services post- pandemic through the Bus Back Better: national strategy for England. This includes a requirement for Local Transport Authorities (LTAs), like Derby City Council to publish an annual Bus Services Improvement Plan (BSIP). The plan explains how an Enhanced Partnership, made up of the Council, bus operators, neighbouring local authorities, passenger representatives and other stakeholders, will build on the progress already made and address the key aims of The National Bus Strategy.

The key initiatives included in Derby City Council’s BSIP include:

  • Speed up bus journey times and improve reliability on the major corridors and in busy areas
  • Improved, safer bus shelters
  • Develop more integrated ticketing and introduce affordable targeted fares.
  • Provide revenue support to bus operators to help maintain service levels until passenger numbers return to pre-pandemic levels
  • Introduce more and improved Real Time Information (RTI) for passengers
  • A bus service review to ensure that services meet needs and explore other innovative services
  • Assist bus operators in introducing low emission vehicles
  • Introduce a passenger charter to be backed by ongoing passenger surveys.

Significant progress has been made on these priorities, with projects to improve and replace bus shelters and add Real Time Information (RTI) screens to bus routes throughout the city and reduce bus fares for 11-18 year olds already well underway.

Now the Council is asking for citizens to share their views to help shape Derby’s bus services for the future.

Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainability said:

“We’re working hard to diversify the range of transport choices available to citizens, as well as increase sustainable travel options. Bus services are a key part of this work and I’m proud of the work which we have done so far through our Enhanced Partnership. However more needs to be done to develop our bus provision and support our ambition for sustainable transport across Derby.

"To make bus services as accessible and practical as possible, we need to hear from citizens about their experiences of using buses within the city. Whether you use buses regularly or infrequently, we want to hear from you. Please do consider taking the survey and sharing your thoughts on bus services within Derby.”

Toby France, Head of Commercial at Arriva East and South Midlands said:

“The needs of Derby residents and the way we travel around the city continue to develop and evolve. Sharing your feedback on the current bus network, whether you’re an existing bus user or otherwise, helps us adapt and enhance Derby’s bus service and shape the way we deliver the city’s Bus Service Improvement Plan in partnership with the City Council.”

Tom Morgan, Managing Director at Trentbarton said:

“Understanding what our customers want from their bus services is the starting point for any initiatives which aim to develop and improve our area’s buses. It’s really important that we gather the views from as many people as possible, across the widest possible demographic. We want our services to be accessible for all and to reflect the desires of current customers, lapsed customers and future customers.”  

The survey opens for six weeks on Monday 4 December and closing on Monday 15 January 2024. You can complete on the Let’s Talk Derby website.

The Council’s most recent Bus Services Improvement Plan is available to view on Derby City Council's website.