Miles Better isn't about telling staff never to travel by car. It's about getting them to consider, where appropriate, alternative ways of getting to and from work – even if it's commuting in a different way once a week. This includes cycling, walking, car sharing and using public transport.
Your Miles Better departmental representative:
Electric vehicle charging points at County Hall
As part of our commitment to cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality in Derbyshire, we've installed 5 dual electric vehicle charging units in our County Hall staff car park.
Public transport - buses and trains
Most of Derbyshire's key towns and villages are served by buses and some by train. Staff can take advantage of discounted tickets from a number of operators.
Staff discounts for Arriva bus travel
If you use an Arriva bus to travel to and from work, you can now get ticket discounts giving you unlimited bus travel 7 days a week.
Arriva are offering all our employees ticket discounts when you join the Arriva travel club scheme. The scheme lets you pay less for your tickets and purchase them on a monthly direct debit with no setup fee or minimum contract required, which means you can cancel your payments and stop your ticket at any time should your circumstances change.
Travel club tickets do not only cover your bus journeys to and from work, but will also give you unlimited bus travel 7 days a week. So, for no extra cost you will also be able to get out and about on your days off too. Up to 2 children can also travel free with the ticket holder at weekends and bank holidays.
- when signing up, staff are advised to use passwords longer than 8 characters, for example, at least 12 characters long
- using the service will involve personal information and will require individual's banking details to be provided in order to set up monthly direct debits
- staff are reminded to use strong passwords, and to read Arriva's terms and conditions and privacy policy before agreeing to sign up
Step1. Visit Arriva and select your local region then choose your travel zone and order your tickets online by and completing the direct debit application form - you will need your bank account details. When adding your details, enter the company organisation name as Derbyshire County Council.
Step 2. Receive your ticket in the post each month or have an m-ticket delivered to your mobile phone. To receive an m-ticket you must install the free Arriva UK Bus app on your phone first, and then after your first monthly payment is taken an m-ticket will automatically be sent to your phone.
Staff are therefore reminded to use strong passwords, and to read Arriva's terms and conditions and privacy policy before agreeing to sign up. If you have any questions, email etc.ams@arriva.co.uk.
Discounts off Stagecoach Megarider
Discounts off Stagecoach Megarider weekly tickets for our employees and for travel in the Chesterfield area as well as across the region are available from County Hall, Matlock and Chesterfield Library by showing your photocard ID badge.
Other discounts
Other discounts available:
- Mango cards, which automatically provide discounts, are a great way to save money on Trent Barton buses and can also be used on the Nottingham NET Tram
- Trent Barton Super Commuter season tickets can be paid for through salary deductions
- apply for an interest-free loan to buy an annual season ticket for bus and selected train travel
- apprentices, working on our behalf, can get help with the cost of their first 6 weeks public transport tickets to work through Wheels 2 Work - they can also take advantage of some other Miles Better initiatives
Littles Travel offer employees a discount for 6-day unlimited bus travel. This ticket is interchangeable between Clay Cross, Alfreton, Ripley, Belper, Nether Heage, Crich and Matlock. Employees will need to show their ID badge in order to receive this discount.
We can also offer interest free loans for Trent Barton annual Super Commuter tickets. Mango Cards are also great and give discounts on Trent Barton standard single fares plus a maximum daily cap. Mango cards can also give discounts at local cafés and restaurants.
Public transport can be a great way to travel to work. It can save money and can help reduce single occupancy car use as well help the environment. Also folding bikes which are covered over can usually be carried on buses and trains which makes great door-to-door journeys.
To plan a journey to work by bus or train check out traveline. There are also online timetables at:
Cycling
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular and can also be a great way to commute to work.
Why not take advantage of our Cycle to Work Scheme. Our employer number for Cyclescheme is 56558d. You make a monthly payment direct from your salary over 12 or 24 months and in return save money on bikes and equipment costing up to £3,000. Plus there's the added benefit of keeping fit.
Staff who don't qualify for the Cycle to Work Scheme may be able to borrow a pool bike which can be loaned on a short-term basis.
Secure cycle parking, clothing lockers and shower and changing rooms are offered at some work bases and we continue to look at rolling out facilities at other sites.
Clothing lockers for cyclists do become available at County Hall. Please contact us for further information.
Love to Ride
Love to Ride develop and promote year round initiatives to encourage increased levels of cycling. Cycling to work is a great way to take part, you can register and then log your journey at Love to Ride.
Cycle training
Free County Rider cycle training is now available for adults who live, work or study in all areas of Derbyshire. The great thing about County Rider one to one cycle training is that the programme can be tailored to suit your needs. Your instructor will design the programme to suit you whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced cyclist who wants to become an even better and safer rider.
If you'd like specific information about a route to work then please contact us.
For information about cycle routes in the Chesterfield area and other useful cycling information check out the Chesterfield Cycle Network project. You can also find out about cycle routes and other cycle information across the county.
Fix your Bike Voucher Scheme - register as a bike repairer
The government is putting in place a voucher scheme for cycle maintenance. To do this, cycle retailers need to register to be part of the scheme. So, if you have a local bike shop that would like to join, please encourage them to register.
Car share
Car sharing saves money and helps reduce congestion – plus you can enjoy a shared social journey.
There are 39 dedicated priority car share places at County Hall.
Two current car share permits need to be displayed when car sharing and using these spaces.
Find out more information about car sharing and join our scheme.
When car sharing, we recommend following the advice to help reduce the risk of spreading viral infections:
- don't car share if you have symptoms of a viral infection such as COVID-19
- consider wearing a face mask during your journey
- open windows to allow fresh air to circulate
- maintain good hand hygiene
- keep door handles and other high touch areas clean
Walking
The average round trip to work is 16 miles so walking all the way for many employees is not an option. But could you 'park and stride?'
This is where you park, responsibly, some way from your destination and walk the remainder of the journey.
If you work at Shand House there's a park and stride facility at Darley Bridge picnic site.
Walking is great. It's free and does not require any special equipment or planning. Over time, you could save cash, and help stay fit, particularly if you walk energetically.
Further information
For more information about any of the Miles Better initiatives, please email: sustainable.travel@derbyshire.gov.uk