Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moorlands Connect?
Moorlands Connect is a bus service which operates in the Leek Rural area.
Our two minibuses will cover the area shown on this map||. You can call and book a journey on 0300 111 8003.
The service will run from Monday to Saturday between 7am and 6pm. During term time the buses will be used for school runs between 8:00am and 9:00am and 3:00pm and 4:00pm and will be unavailable for public bookings at these times.
Once you've pre-booked the bus will pick you up from your home address or agreed pick up point.
Who is the service for?
The service is available for anyone who lives, works or visits in the area. There is no age restriction; we can accommodate people with wheelchairs', pushchairs or bicycles.
Journeys can be between villages or into the towns.
How much does it cost?
|
Mon- Fri
|
Fare
|
Type
|
|
1
|
£1.90
|
Adult Single
|
|
2
|
£3.60
|
Adult Return
|
|
3
|
£1.00
|
Child Single (5-15)
|
|
4
|
£1.00
|
With a Your Staffordshire card (for young people under 20) a single journey
|
|
5
|
£1.90
|
Child Return
|
|
6
|
£0.00
|
SCC. Conc. Pass
|
|
7
|
£0.00
|
DCC. Conc. Pass
|
|
8
|
£8.00
|
Group (up to 5 people but not Wayfarer)
|
|
Sats Only
|
Fare
|
Type
|
|
9
|
£2.00
|
Adult return
|
|
10
|
£1.00
|
Child Return
|
|
11
|
£5.00
|
Group (Up to 5 people)
|
|
Wayfarer
|
Fare
|
Type
|
|
12
|
£8.90
|
Adult + 1 Child (5-15 Yrs)
|
|
13
|
£4.45
|
Conc. Pass
|
|
14
|
£15.10
|
Group (2 Adults + 3 Children)
|
NB: All passes must be shown & include Derbyshire County Council Gold Card, Derbyshire County Council b_line, Staffordshire County Council Pass, Senior Citizen, Child.
Which area do you cover?
We cover the rural area north of Leek between Buxton and Ashbourne. We also go just over the border into Derbyshire for journeys to Hartington.
Why don't you cover...?
For our buses to be cost effective and maximise the number of journeys they can make in a day they can only cover the agreed area. Extending this area would spread them too thin.
Will this affect buses to Leek, Hanley, Buxton or Ashbourne?
While some services will be replaced by 'Moorlands Connect', the following will continue unchanged:
• 118 Hanley, Leek and Buxton
• 442 Buxton to Ashbourne
• 108 Leek to Ashbourne
Moorlands Connect can link you to these services. The booking system is programmed for particular connections so we can offer you a suitable pick up to make sure you get to your connection on time. If you need planning advice for your journey call Traveline| on 0871 200 22 33.
To book a journey call 0300 111 8003. The first time you call the call centre staff will ask for your name, address and contact telephone number.
Registration is optional, and if you are a visitor making a one off journey you won't need to register. However if you expect to use the service more frequently registration is worthwhile as it will speed up your booking.
You will be given a unique membership. Next time you call, the system will quickly identify you by your membership number, your name or postcode.
When is the call centre open?
Lines are open:
-
Monday to Friday between 8:00am and 6:00pm;
-
Saturdays between 9:00am and 1:00pm.
How far in advance can I book the service?
You can book a journey seven days in advance or up to two hours before you want to travel. You can book on the day but this will be dependent on capacity.
Why do I have to book the service?
There is no fixed route or timetable so our buses don't run until they are needed. This costs less money and is more environmentally friendly than having buses touring the Moorlands without any passengers.
By operating a pre-booking service our advanced software can plan ahead to ensure our drivers travel the most effective route to pick up passengers.
Can I use my concessionary bus pass?
Yes, the concessionary bus pass is valid on Moorlands Connect so if you have a pass you can travel for free.
Young people under the age of 20 can also use their Your Staffordshire card.
I can't walk very far, or I use a wheelchair, can I use the service?
Both buses can 'kneel' so there's no huge step to negotiate. They also carry a ramp for wheelchair users who will then be able to park their chair in a wheelchair space on the bus. The buses pick people up from their homes to enable those with mobility difficulties to access the service.
Can the bus be used by people with pushchairs or buggies?
Yes. There is room for pushchairs or buggies, and each bus has a ramp or can 'kneel' to make getting on and off the bus easier.
Can I bring my bike on the bus?
Yes. There is a bike rack on the bus which can carry up to four bikes. To reserve a space please ask the operator when you book your journey.
Can I take my dog on the bus?
Yes. Well behaved dogs are welcome.
How is this service funded?
The service is funded by 'Moorlands Together'||, a group of local organisations working together to improve public services:
-
Staffordshire County Council
-
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
-
North Staffordshire Primary Care Trust
-
Staffordshire Police
-
Fire and Rescue
-
Peak District National Park
-
Staffordshire Moorlands Community and Voluntary Services
-
and other voluntary and community groups
-
-
-
-