Decision details

For the Cabinet Member to note the current De Minimis bus service arrangements
To seek Cabinet Member approval, under Protocol 3 of the Council’s Financial Regulations, to change the pricing for the contracts shown in Table 2.
To seek Cabinet Member approval to add one additional De Minimis contract on service 77a for the period up until 31 October 2023 to align with the end date of the other De Minimis routes.
To seek approval for the change in the funding for service 170 as shown in Table 4.

That the Cabinet Member:

1.    Notes the current De Minimis bus service arrangements;

2.    Approves a decision, under Protocol 5 of the Council’s Financial Regulations to change the pricing for the contracts shown in Table 2;

3.    Agrees to add one additional De Minimis contract on service 77a for the period up until 31 October 2023 to align with the end date of the other De Minimis routes; and

4.      Agrees to change the funding for service 170 as shown in Table 4.

These service extensions provide vital transport links and extra service frequencies across the County at times when commercial services do not operate.

Retaining these service extensions would be welcomed by many who rely on their local bus services as their only means of transportation to amenities, healthcare, work, and leisure.

Furthermore, use of public transport reduces the number of private vehicles on the road and a positive consequence of that is the reduction in CO₂ emissions. With many people becoming increasingly concerned for the wider environment, combined with the rising costs to own, and run a private car, it is anticipated that many travellers will be contemplating more sustainable travel options to benefit the environment and their own living costs. It is therefore imperative that the public have access to a transport network that works for them. 

Do nothing and accept that the Stagecoach will withdraw the De Minimis element of these commercial services. This would adversely impact on bus users across the county and result in a high volume of complaints to the Council leading to reputational damage at a time when the BSIP funding has been announced for transport investment and growth. This option is therefore not considered appropriate.

Continue with the revised De Minimis interim support for 12 months at a cost of £0.496m of which the additional £0.039m will be funded from the DfT Local Transport Fund allocation of £520,480.52 which Derbyshire recently received.

Option 2, as set out in Paragraph 6.2, is therefore considered the best Option.