Derbyshire bus campaigners hand over 2,500 petition calling for buses to be brought back into public control

The petition was supported by residents from across Derbyshire as well as 20 organisations including trade unions, environmental groups, pensioners and political parties. A

Campaigners wanted to hand the petition over before responsibility for buses in the region transfers from the County and City Councils to the new East Midlands Combined County Authority early next year.

The campaigners argue that bringing buses back into public control will allow the Mayor to plan routes, timetables and fares in the interests of the public.

The group point to Greater Manchester where the Mayor Andy Burnham took buses back into public control.

Chrissy Grocott, campaigner for better buses in Matlock said: “A new report, ‘Delivering Better Bus Services for Greater Manchester’, sets out the story so far since bus franchising was launched in September 2023, including the wide-ranging positive impacts for passengers and communities. Regional Mayor, Claire Ward has the opportunity to assess the business case for bus franchising in the East Midlands. All combined authorities who have undertaken this process so far have found in favour, let's not miss this bus, after years of decline in services we must improve public transport opportunities for all.”

Anne Robinson from Better Buses East Midlands said: “Residents of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire in particular have put up with poor and declining bus services for too long. For many people in the region buses are a lifeline and with nearly a quarter of the regional population at risk from social exclusion due to lack of a car or decent bus service, it is vital that the Mayor does all she can to improve bus services for all. Public control of buses is not a silver bullet and much more funding is needed. But if she is going to invest more public money in buses she needs to ensure that money is used for the public good and doesn’t end up in shareholders pockets and public control is the best way to do this.”

Claire Ward said the emerging Mayor’s Transport Plan commits to expanding and improving public transport by increasing services and routes.

She added: “As responsibility for buses transfers to EMCCA in the coming months, I have requested a full assessment of the network to identify problems and solutions, with funding already set aside.

“I thank residents and campaigners for sharing their experiences. I understand the frustration across the East Midlands, particularly in communities where services have declined or disappeared. Reliable public transport is essential for work, education, healthcare, and family and feedback highlights its importance for young people, older residents, and those without cars.

“A full franchising review is not part of this plan. My priority is to work closely with existing bus operators to achieve short-term improvements. Our region already ranks highly in customer satisfaction, and building on this avoids the costs and delays of franchising while delivering faster results. I aim to strengthen partnerships, use public funds effectively, and ensure passengers’ voices guide service improvements.

“However, I am not ruling out franchising in the next Mayoral term – I will be led by what improves public transport for people in the East Midlands.

“For now, as EMCCA assumes new transport powers, I remain committed to creating a system that is reliable, connected, and responsive to community needs, supporting growth and opportunity across the region.”