Focus of work
This project aims to show how the key characteristics of the Swiss rural public transport system could work in the Hope Valley. For example:
- Hourly rail and bus services, reaching where people want to go.
- Buses and trains connecting seamlessly.
- A single ticket for the whole journey, valid on buses and trains.
- Reliability and quality.
Hope Valley Climate Action believes that the Hope Valley can become Britain’s first “Mini Switzerland”, and it is inviting others to help make that happen. By working together with residents, visitors and partners — including the East Midlands Combined Authority, Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire Mayoral Authorities, Derbyshire County Council, the Peak District National Park, Northern Trains, and others — a national example of what truly connected, sustainable rural travel looks like can be created.
Impact
Hope Valley Climate Action published its report in February 2026, which was very well received by local and national media. In April 2026, the government announced £6 million in national funding to deliver a “Mini Switzerland” pilot – a great achievement for the charity’s volunteers.
Click here to read the final report
Click here to see the slide deck summary
Click here to see the slide deck summary for political leaders
FIT funding will support this project in 2026, with activities including:
- The creation of a decision-grade financial model suitable for public authority finance review
- Capital/revenue funding scenario analysis with recommendations
- Draft funding and delivery options for EMCCA consideration
- Switzerland visit programme, briefing materials and participant pack
- Post-visit implementation lessons for UK adoption
- Updated Mini Switzerland delivery roadmap
- Concept proposal for at least one additional UK area
- Replication framework for future Mini Switzerland schemes.