PARWICH.ORG

Thanks to Richard T for the following report on Derbyshire Connect’s visit:

Meet Iris. She will become a familiar face  across this part of Derbyshire Dales as the driver of the Derbyshire Connect bus service. The existing loss making service  finishes on Friday March 31 so there will be about six weeks cross over.

Derbyshire Connect begins operation on Monday February 13 and is essentially a “Dial a Bus service” running Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm and 8am and  6pm on Saturday. To use the 15 seater, it is essential to book ahead, the further the better and those with medical appointments will get priority.

The geography of the service covers an area roughly between Cromford and Wirksworth to the east and Onecote to the west, Ashbourne to the south and the A5012 to the north. Iris will collect you, even from your front door, and drop you off within the area. the same is true in reverse.

To book,  dial 01335  342951 between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email bookings@derbyshireconnect.org.uk but this will require a minimum of 24 hours notice.

For the first week, the new  service will be FREE to encourage people to use it and familiar with booking. Thereafter, fares will be  £2 single or £3.80 return. Children £1.20 single or £2.40 return. Bline 2 cardholders get a 25 per cent discount.

Gold card holders travel free after 9.30am

Derbyshire Connect driver, Iris Raile, said: “There has been much interest and enthusiasm as we have taken the bus around the area  for people to become familiar with the potential for the new service. We really want people to use it and make the service a regular part  of their lives to get around.

“My colleague,  Chris  Hegarty,  and I have had a warm welcome in Parwich and I look forward to getting to know many of you as you begin to use Derbyshire Connect.”

Leaflets are being left in the Sycamore and The Legion and please hand them on to potential users.

A similar service already operates in the Staffordshire Moorlands which has a common boundary with Derbyshire Connect allowing bus users to get as far as Leek and Buxton.

Erin and mum Lucy try out the tailgate lift on the bus.