I have been hearing lots from constituents experiencing problems with their local bus services, in particular extended delays and cancellations of services like the 9.3 through Pinxton and the Comet through Mickley run by Trent Barton.
This week Cllr Charlotte Cupit and I went and sat down with the Managing Director to ensure there were plans in place to get these services back up to the standard of service residents need.
The 9.3
Trent Barton have been dealing with maintenance issues with some of their older buses, with parts being unavailable or obsolete, and are waiting on a replacement fleet of new modern buses. These were originally due to be delivered in 2021 but was temporarily suspended due to concerns with reduced passenger numbers during the pandemic. As these aren't now expected until July, in the short term, 3 additional vehicles have been switched to the local depot to support number 9 services. With the company leasing a further 3 further vehicles to prevent cancellations due to bus maintenance.
The Comet
Cllr Cupit raised concerns that for the past 2-3 weeks The Comet has simply not been turning up with parents, workers and children stranded and in the completely unacceptable position of having to pay for taxis.
She has also asked if they could look into restoring the Sunday service.
Trent Barton are investigating the recent issues and I will share their response when I have it. However, the Comet issues are primarily driver related from the Derby depot 15–20 workers short from 170. They are recruiting - > https://www.trentbarton.co.uk/join-our-team
Overall, Trent Barton acknowledge there has been a problem over the last 12 months and that services are well short of standards they wish to set for customers.
I will continue to work with Ministers and local partners such as Derbyshire County Council to help address wider issues such as staff shortages and skills for engineers, as well as support for routes to rural villages that are not seen as commercial viable.
