Letter: It's time for a different take on bus issues across our area

In every walk of life there is the demand for more. But what is abhorrent among activists is the greater tax-take – the true fertiliser of that mythical government money tree.

The other truth is that running costs, together with a margin to cover overheads, must be collected from fares. There is no statutory obligation on councils or government to fund bus services.

So, aren’t ‘local campaigners calling for a guaranteed regular, reliable, affordable, zero-emission bus network in every town and village in Derbyshire’ searching for pie in the sky? The size of that magic money tree would match a forest of California Redwoods.

Campaigners must therefore decide what other public services they are prepared to see reduced.

Among the comments about Stagecoach in the Derbyshire Times’ articles of October 17, there is mention of Hulleys, with Toby Perkins MP stating he will be requesting an urgent meeting with their managing director about a service which Hulleys does not yet operate.

Unlike the larger bus companies that have competed for services in this part of Derbyshire over decades, Hulleys is the operator which has demonstrated true community service.
It has done this during fair weather and foul since its first inception in about 1921. From its original, unpresuming premises at Baslow, Hulleys maintained its services to remote villages, just so long as access around the Peak District was feasible.

Although fortunes have varied over the 100-plus years of existence, its original proprietors in the Hulley family and their several successors, such as the long-serving Richard and Peter Eades, have realised the business equity in a brand of reliable public service through commitment.

Customers can be confident that the 80 and 80a services will be operated by Hulleys under their established ethos of commitment to public service, without interference or encouragement from members of parliament.

David Blackwell

Clowne

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