Chesterfield buses: Mayor set to ‘explore’ new bus service in response to controversial North Derbyshire bus service changes

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has issued an update on action taken in response to controversial bus service changes announced by Stagecoach.

An EMCCA spokesperson confirmed works to ‘reduce the impact of withdrawals on passengers in the Chesterfield and Staveley areas’ were underway – with some ‘immediate measures’ already agreed.

EMCCA said they were ‘exploring’ a new service linking Bolsover, Shuttlewood, Woodthorpe, Staveley and Markham Vale.

If launched, the service would help address some of the gaps created by changes to Services 74/74A and 90/90A.

EMCCA issued the following online statement: “We are working to reduce the impact of Stagecoach Yorkshire’s proposed service withdrawals on passengers in the Chesterfield and Staveley areas.

“Some immediate measures have already been agreed. These will preserve a number of important links, but they will not fully replace the routes, frequency or coverage of the services being withdrawn.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “I am aware of the changes to a number of Stagecoach Yorkshire bus services and understand how concerning this is for local people who rely on them. "This is a commercial decision made by Stagecoach, but we are working to try to find solutions to reduce the impact on passengers.

“A handful of short-term, but immediate solutions have already been agreed, and we have a dedicated webpage available to keep residents informed. While these measures will help preserve important connections, I recognise they do not fully replace the existing services withdrawn by Stagecoach Yorkshire.

"Our transport team are continuing to assess the wider impact of the proposals, including options for Staveley. They are working closely with operators to explore further solutions. We remain committed to supporting reliable public transport across the East Midlands and will provide further information on our webpage as it becomes available.”

Here are the main updates issued by the Mayor in response to different bus service cuts.

Service 5 – Chesterfield Town Centre – Newbold Peveril Road circular

Stagecoach Yorkshire is withdrawing Service 5 in full on Mondays to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

To help reduce the gap, EMCCA has instructed Stagecoach to divert the Service 15, which runs between Chesterfield, Marsh Lane and Dronfield, to serve sections of the affected corridor.

Service 15 will provide an alternative for some journeys, but it will not offer the same level of service or cover the full Service 5 route.

Service 38 – Chesterfield – Ashgate – Green Farm – Loundsley Green – Brockwell

Stagecoach Yorkshire is withdrawing Service 38 in full on Mondays to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

To help reduce the gap, EMCCA has instructed Stagecoach to divert two services: Service 16 – Hasland – Chesterfield – Dronfield and Service 84 – Holymoorside – Chesterfield Royal Hospital

These diversions will provide some replacement links, but they will not match the current level of service or cover every section of the Service 38 route.

Staveley, Markham Vale and Bolsover

A new service linking Bolsover, Shuttlewood, Woodthorpe, Staveley and Markham Vale is being explored. This would help address some of the gaps created by changes to Services 74/74A and 90/90A. Further information will be published when arrangements are confirmed.

Services 74/74A – Chesterfield – Staveley – Mastin Moor – Woodthorpe

Frequency will reduce from every 30 minutes to hourly, operating hours will be reduced, and Woodthorpe will no longer be served.

The Derbyshire on-demand bus currently serves this area and more information can be found here: Nottsbus On Demand | Nottinghamshire County Council.

EMCCA are exploring other alternative options, and more information will be available here.

Services 90/90A/90B – Chesterfield – Tapton – Brimington – Barrow Hill – Staveley – Markham Vale – Shuttlewood – Clowne – Creswell

Service 90A will no longer be available. All commercial journeys will operate as Service 90 and terminate at Staveley.

Tendered Service 90B journeys will retain their current times and continue to interwork with Service 90.

In Chesterfield town centre they will operate via Cavendish Street, using stop U1, Knifesmithgate, Rose Hill, using stop N, Clarence Road, West Bars, using stop E, and New Beetwell Street, using stop B1, which remains the starting point for outbound journeys.