Plans unveiled for ‘Mini Switzerland’ rural transport demonstrator in the Hope Valley

Detailed plans have been published for Mini Switzerland, a proposed national transport demonstrator set to launch in the Hope Valley — aiming to transform rural public transport by creating a fully integrated, Swiss-style network in the Peak District.

The blueprint outlines how hourly buses and trains could be carefully timed to connect, with simple tickets valid across operators and clear, consistent information — enabling the system to function as one joined-up network.

The scheme positions the East Midlands as a potential national leader in rural mobility by hosting what would be the UK’s first real-world demonstrator of fully integrated bus and rail services outside a major city.

A practical, cost-effective approach

Unlike many large-scale transport schemes, Mini Switzerland does not rely on new railway lines or major construction. Instead, it focuses on better coordination of existing and enhanced services, supported by modest infrastructure improvements and simplified ticketing.

Key proposals for the Hope Valley include:

• Regular, easy-to-remember hourly bus services

• Guaranteed connections between buses and trains

• Simpler tickets valid across operators

• Improved access to jobs, education and healthcare

• A realistic alternative to driving for visitors to the Peak District

If delivered successfully, the demonstrator would provide real-world evidence on how integrated networks can increase ridership, improve value for money and reduce car dependency in rural areas.

“There’s another way”

Thomas Ableman, founder of Freewheeling and creator of the Mini Switzerland concept, said:

For years we’ve been stuck in a cycle where rural public transport costs more and delivers less. Mini Switzerland shows there’s another way. By properly integrating buses and trains, we can unlock far more value from the networks we already fund.

Transport integration is one of the most powerful, and most cost-effective, tools we have to widen access to opportunity and drive economic growth. At a time when budgets are tight, it’s never been more important to make the system work as a joined-up whole.

Roger Clarke, Trustee of Hope Valley Climate Action, said:

For people in the Hope Valley, this is about being able to get to work, to school, to shops and to healthcare without always needing a car. It’s also about managing visitor traffic in a way that protects our villages and landscape.

We’re proud that our community can help lead a project that could shape the future of rural transport across the country.

Alex Robertson, Chief Executive of Transport Focus, the statutory passenger watchdog, said:

Passengers consistently tell us they want public transport that is reliable, easy to understand and good value for money. The principles behind Mini Switzerland – clear timetables, joined-up connections and simple tickets – are exactly the kinds of improvements that can make a real difference to people’s experience. Demonstrating how this can work in a rural area would be an important step forward.

Train and bus operators have also expressed support for the principles behind the project.

Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director at Northern Trains, said:

We’re already working hard to make our services more reliable and more customer-focused, and we’re keen to play our part in making better connections between rail and bus.

It’s great to see this initiative coming together. We are supportive of any project which reflects Northern’s aims to improve integration and remove barriers to using public transport.

Julian Peddle, Director of High Peak Buses, said:

Local bus services are often seen as a last resort, but with the right network design they can be a central part of how people move around. We welcome the focus on coordination and simplicity, which can help buses reach a much wider market.