Route 61 service extended after local campaign

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has approved a plan to extend and improve the 61 bus service between Buxton and Glossop from September 27th. The bus will now run during the day on Sundays and late into the evening on Fridays and Saturdays.

The new service has been the result of a long process of engagement with Mayor Claire who has cited tackling social isolation and reducing carbon emissions as the key planks of her Transport Plan.

“We’re absolutely delighted that people who don’t have a car, or wish to leave their car at home, will have the option of taking the bus for a night out on Friday or Saturday, go for a walk in our beautiful Peak District on a Sunday, travel to work or visit family and friends in our historic towns and villages.

“It’s great news for our local businesses too!” said Gill Scott, Chair of the Active and Sustainable Travel Group of Sustainable Hayfield and High Peak Borough Councillor for Hayfield.

Anne Clarke, Derbyshire County Councillor for New Mills and Hayfield, who is also a member of the Active and Sustainable Travel Group, said “It has been a really collaborative grassroots campaign. Huge thanks to everyone who has supported the campaign by using the 61, filled in a survey or written emails to highlight the need for an extended timetable.”

The restaurants, pubs, cafes, shops and theatres along the bus route could also see a big upturn in their businesses.

Pennie Roberts, Secretary of Sustainable Hayfield and a member of the travel group said, “I’m especially excited to visit the Buxton Opera House more often for shows at the weekend and to go to the Partington Theatre in Glossop.

“We don’t have a car and it has been impossible to enjoy the terrific shows at these venues. We must use this service to ensure we don’t lose it!”

Visit the Travel Derbyshire website to see the timetable details listing the changes from 27th September,