“The inspiration for Mini Switzerland came from one of my many trips to the country,” says Thomas Ableman. The former Transport for London strategy director is explaining his vision for “joined-up” mobility in the UK. “Mini Switzerland” is a project to bring Swiss-style integrated public transport to the Hope Valley in Derbyshire – and to demonstrate that dovetailing buses with trains can boost ridership and the local economy, while increasing options for residents and visitors. A beautiful rail line runs through the Hope Valley, bisecting the Peak District National Park and linking Manchester with Sheffield . But at present there is no holistic approach to public transport. “It's a railway line in a valley,” Mr Ableman says. “It has five small rural stations within it. And those stations are surrounded by villages, but not immediately connected to the villages. That is an important piece of context.…