In August 1945, 3 months after VE day, evening services were all but back to normal after years of blackouts.

A now overworked fleet of ageing buses coupled with the increased demand from passengers wishing to travel, having spent the six years of the war with restricted movements, led to the purchase of a further 9 vehicles by the end of 1946. Services were increased to take in Ilam, Thorpe, Mappleton, Ashbourne, Dovedale and Leek.

February and March of 1947 are remembered for very heavy snowfall. Equally well remembered is the determination of Hulleys staff to keep services running where possible. Teams of employees were often deployed to clear routes, enabling the safe passage of the service. Letters from patrons in the proceeding weeks referred to ‘the most creditable effort’ and ‘the splendid way the services had been operated’ along with ‘the courtesy and patience of the staff’.

During the early 1950’s, the increased competition in the area meant there were limited possibilities to register new services so Hulleys set about improving the level of service on the routes they already operated.

The increasing popularity of both motor car and motorcycle however, meant passenger numbers were now declining rapidly. Along with ever increasing fuel tax and staff wage rises, Hulleys could no longer absorb all the running costs. And so, in 1952, fares were increased for the first time in nearly 30 years!

Between 1951 and 1954, eleven vehicles left the fleet with almost no replacements. A reflection of the major decrease in patronage the bus industry was suffering. During this time however, the first one man operation vehicle was purchased by Hulleys, eliminating the need for a conductor and thus reducing operating costs.

The successful excursion programme of the early Thirties was resumed in 1954 with all the major seaside resorts as destinations as well as Alton Towers

Further problems in the late Fifties were caused by the Suez crisis and a national bus strike in 1957, both of which contributed to further fare increases for passengers.

The 1960’s were a time of consolidation. Passenger numbers were slowly decreasing and the various operators in the area had all the viable routes covered. The biggest change was the introduction of one man, under floor engine buses to replace the half cabs that were now out of fashion.

In 1969, the fleet consisted of its lowest post-war number, just 11 vehicles. The most successful service during the war, Baslow to Grindleford Station, and the very first service operated by Hulleys, Freebirch to Chesterfield on Saturdays, were both withdrawn as uneconomical.