- Thomas Ableman, former Transport for London strategy director, is leading the "Mini Switzerland" project to integrate public transport in the UK.
- The initiative focuses on the Hope Valley in Derbyshire, aiming to connect rural train stations with surrounding villages through coordinated bus services.
- Inspired by Switzerland's efficient system, the project seeks to prove that better timetable coordination, increased bus frequency, and improved ticketing can boost ridership and the local economy without requiring new infrastructure.
- The government has provided £6m in funding, matched by the East Midlands Combined Authority, with the goal of achieving better value for money through higher passenger numbers.
- Ableman anticipates the system could be operational within a year, demonstrating that reliable, integrated public transport can be successfully implemented in British rural areas to encourage long-term behavioural change.
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