A national survey by Transport Focus has put Derbyshire’s bus services in the top ten for passenger satisfaction.

Thirty-four local transport authorities, including Derbyshire, were part of Transport Focus’ annual satisfaction survey entitled ‘Your Bus Journey.’

83% of passengers in the county were satisfied with their journey, which is an improvement from the half year result of 81%.

Derbyshire also came 4th overall in value for money, 9th overall for satisfaction with waiting time and received an improved result of 77% in punctuality, up from 72% in the half year results and well ahead of the national average.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Charlotte Cupit, said:

“It’s good to see such positive results from the passenger survey, especially around punctuality and value for money.

“We’ve been putting in the work to make significant improvements to local transport through the £47 million Bus Service Improvement Plan, and it’s really encouraging to see that work translate to a better passenger experience.

“Equally though, we know some areas have had issues with service reliability, and we continue to work with the relevant operators on resolutions and improvements to resolve these. But these results show bus services and public transport in Derbyshire is heading in a positive direction.”

In the past year, over twenty bus services in Derbyshire have received enhancements to their timetables and routes, funded by Derbyshire County Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). The BSIP has also implemented ticketing offers such as £1.50 young person’s fares and free Sunday travel, and improved infrastructure all in aid of enhancing the passenger experience.

The service enhancements include the X17 from Sheffield to Matlock and Wirksworth, the 25/25a from Chesterfield to New Whittington, 65 from Buxton to Sheffield, The Buxton Buzz from Burlow to Fairfield , The Comet from Chesterfield to Derby, Villager 1 from Derby to Burton via Hatton and the MY15 from Ilkeston to East Midland Airport via Sawley, all of which have seen significant increases in passenger numbers in the last 6 months.

“We’re currently looking at what we might improve in bus travel over the next year that will build on the improvements we’ve already made, and we look forward to seeing a continued increase in the public perception of our services.”

Transport Focus is an independent watchdog for transport users, they speak to thousands of people to gain a real insight into how transport services are perceived. The full survey results can be found here Your Bus Journey – 2023 results – Transport Focus