It is without doubt that the service and frequency of the 904 is not adequate. It is the least frequent of all UoN Hopper Buses, and timetables are not aligned with university timetables. "Getting up earlier" isn't adequate either, as delays, cancellations, or simply not being allowed on means that you can never actually be sure whether you'll get to your sessions on time.

Standing is yet another point of contention - some drivers allow it, and some do not. The maximum standing capacity on a normal double decker is around 26-35, depending on the specific configurations and whether a wheelchair is being used, meaning the maximum capacity of a double decker is 100.

Bus drivers are picky as to whether they will let people stand or not, and not being allowed on the bus takes up valuable learning time. The bus isn't just a lifeline for students at UNAD, but also a pathway and facilitator for our education - and without it, we would have no way to get to Derby, particularly with inflation and the rise of the cost of living ruling out taking other - more expensive - modes of public transport.

Furthermore, infrequency of the 903 Hopper Bus also means that students lost precious time to read and do extra study for classes - sometimes waiting up to 50 minutes to interchange due to massive crowds waiting for the bus. The design principles state that the service should be easy to access and simple to use, which it is not.

Furthermore, provision should reflect the greatest needed - which it doesn't, as the service clearly does not meet demand. Students believe the university are setting us up for failure – we are expected to be on time for every seminar, tutorial and practical – yet it’s actually impossible when scheduling around a bus that is incredibly unreliable. 

The University of Nottingham FAQs state that students should not have to worry as they will never be refused travel on the hopper bus. This is simply untrue, as on a day-to-day basis, people are refused travel either at Royal Derby Hospital or at University Park; and when it is at university park - an hourly bus timetable means missing an entire session in most cases.

If the University of Nottingham wishes to continue increasing intake on a year-by-year basis (University of Nottingham, Student Data Report 2021), then a restructuring of the bus service is overdue.

The bus service should reflect the need and utilisation of the service, particularly when timetabling by the School of Medicine means that there will be increased numbers of students travelling to-and-from Derby on a certain day. Buses should be more frequent, perhaps once every half-an-hour during peak hours - in line with other hopper timetables.

Who this affects:

Many University of Nottingham at Derby students and staff, including students on:

• Medical Physiology and Therapeutics (BSc)
• Graduate Entry Medicine (BMBS)
• Medicine with a Foundation Year (BMedSci and BMBS)

What we want:

• The School of Medicine, University, and Arriva should work together to ensure that there are provisions for students should a bus be full, and that set guidelines are given to all drivers regarding the suitability of standing on the lower deck of buses.
• As most students who travel on the hopper bus to Derby also travel on the 903 to Jubilee campus, the hopper bus should terminate at the Jubilee Campus during peak times.