July 5th 2016

Derby City Council Leader, Ranjit Banwait, joined the team from Arriva Midlands at its depot on Ascot Drive to officially launch the fourth annual Catch the Bus Week.

Running from 4^th to 10^th July, Catch the Bus Week is an industry-wide initiative being supported by sustainable transport group Greener Journeys, which urges people to try using the bus instead of their car by challenging the preconceptions of bus travel

Donning a giant green promotional foam hand, Councillor Banwait took the opportunity to speak to the team about how the Council could work more closely with Arriva to more actively promote the social, economic and environmental benefits of bus usage to passengers.

Simon Mathieson, area managing director for Arriva Midlands East, said: “Catch the Bus Week is a fantastic opportunity that helps celebrate all the benefits of bus travel. Buses offer communities much needed lifelines – reducing congestion, getting people to work and driving economic growth, and we are delighted to have been able to welcome Councillor Banwait along to our depot in Derby to see first-hand the commitment and dedication we have to delivering those all-important services to the people within his constituency.”

Councillor Banwait, Leader of Derby City Council added: “It’s been a pleasure to meet the Arriva team, and see first hand their commitment and dedication to delivering this essential service to the people of Derby. We have a fantastic working relationship with them, and the Council are committed in working together to encourage more people to use the bus, reduce congestion, and improve the quality of life for our residents. I encourage as many people to give the bus a try during Catch the Bus Week.”