A Childhood to Inspire a Future

Growing up in the rural hamlet of Stocksmoor, Kevin Carr’s family didn’t have a car. The choice was quite simple; walk miles for groceries or use public transport.

From an early age Kevin chose to catch the bus. He loved the freedom it gave him and his family and in his early 20s he trained to become a bus driver.

Kevin began his career in the commercial bus sector, but those early childhood memories were the driving force behind the successful business we see today.

Together with wife Helen, the couple created South Pennine Community Transport to create a Holme Valley bus service that would link rural and unconnected communities to vital amenities.

Eyes On the Road Ahead

Kevin was so driven by a desire to improve the availability of transport for those who find it difficult to access the mainstream network that eight years ago he bought himself a bus.

He began with a 352 Saturday bus service between Holmfirth and Uppermill.

As more services were added the husband-and-wife team moved the business from their driveway to larger premises at Crossley Mills, Honley, before settling on their current location next to Honley’s train station.

From its operational bus depot in Station Road, Honley, South Pennine Community Transport runs nearly 40 services and 20 buses. The Community Interest Company (CIC) is run just like any other limited company; the only difference being that any surplus money is reinvested back into bus services.

South Pennine Community Transport employs 35 staff including business manager Claire Leader, drivers, mechanics and cleaners. They are supported by a community ambassador volunteer who distributes bus timetables within the Holme Valley.

Passenger safety is high on the agenda. As well as having an onsite garage, the bus company follows standards set by the Department for Transport meaning stringent and regular inspections are routinely carried out.

Holme Valley Bus Services

South Pennine Community Transport’s bus services connect our rural hamlets to neighbouring towns and cities.

Passengers can benefit from bus services between Honley, Holmfirth, Meltham or Marsden, to name but a few. Then there are bus routes between Holmfirth and Greater Manchester, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire. From a Saturday Uppermill and Glossop service to a popular Barnsley service on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, there is also a Tuesday service to Ashton Market and a Thursday service to Penistone Market. South Pennine Community Transport also runs Sheffield city centre shuttle bus services.

Kevin said: “Our extended services mean that we can support our central aim of running our Holme Valley services without subsidy. Our business was built on demand and as a CIC our aim is to continue to provide more services in more areas throughout the Holme Valley.”

A Honley Company that Travels the Extra Mile

Concessionary bus passes apply to all routes and there is a £2 fare cap for single journeys. A day pass costs £4.50.

Not only is bus travel better for the environment – less cars on our roads mean lower carbon emissions in the Holme Valley – but it is also a vital means of transport for many people living in our rural, local communities.

Some of the buses have a mini mobile library so you can hop on a bus to swap a book or to choose a good read. The team has also helped to deliver food parcels locally during the covid-19 pandemic. Kevin will also take to the wheel when needed. The smaller transit buses come into their own on the narrow country lanes around the Holme and Colne Valleys.

Kevin said: “We are a mobile community in our own right – almost like a mobile village. Many of the drivers get to know their passengers on first name terms. People use our buses to shop, others to work or visit loved ones. Some just join us for the company and views. Whatever the reason, there is always plenty of friendly banter on our Holme Valley buses.”

To find out about other businesses in Honley and to explore village life click here.