February 12th 2015

A replacement bus service serving Pride Park, the park and ride and Wyvern centre has been found following discussions with Arriva Midlands and Derby City Council.

Discussions had been taking place in regard to the future of the 111 bus service as part of the council’s on-going budget consultation, as the £113,000 per year cost was not thought to be commercially viable in the current financial climate.

During these discussions views were heard from those using the service, leading to more detailed conversations with bus operators, Arriva, to find an alternative option which could deliver a cost saving whilst also being commercially viable in the future.

The replacement service, which will take over from the 111 service on Tuesday 5th May, will serve Pride Park, Derby Arena and the park and ride site using Arriva’s existing 43 service which supports passengers in Allenton and Alvaston. An additional bus will also operate between the city centre and the Wyvern via Pride Park, the park and ride site and Derby Arena.

This combined operation will provide a 15 minute service from the city centre to Pride Park, the park and ride site and Derby Arena and a 30 minute service to the Wyvern, Monday to Saturday between 7am and 7pm.

The replacement service is being funded by £54,000 from the Local Sustainable Transport Fund and Bus Operators Grants for a trial period of 18 months. Arriva Midlands will retain income from ticket sales and a proportion of park and ride sales. After the trial period it is felt the service would be commercially viable with no further support from the Council.

Alvaston Councillor Paul Bayliss said “Despite facing major Government cuts we have worked hard to provide a more cost effective replacement for the 111. The new service will ensure that Derby residents will be able to travel to the Wyvern and Pride Park using public transport in the future. We are now able to retain our park and ride facility at Pride Park, enabling residents to get to and from work, and enjoy the excellent sport and leisure facilities that will be provided at Derby Arena.”

Simon Mathieson, Area Director for Arriva Midlands said “We are delighted to work in partnership with Derby City Council to provide a cost effective service to Pride Park and the Wyvern.”