Nottingham is set to receive over £3 million in external funding for its public transport next year, as part of a package backed by the newly established East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and the Department for Transport.
The investment will support enhanced and wider service provision and protection of services at risk of withdrawal; a strengthening of transport infrastructure to complement an existing £4.9 million investment (which will also contribute to an ambition to be carbon neutral by 2028); the maintenance of a commuter discount scheme; free travel before 0930hrs for mobility card holders; cheaper travel for young people; and a new Travel Safe Partnership, which will see safety officers deployed on the network.
The funding will also support the operation of the city’s bus stations, park-and-ride sites, bus stops, real time public transport information, and smart ticketing.
Nottingham City Council is expected to formally accept the £3.2 million allocation at its Executive Board meeting on 22 July.
The funding will be delivered through the ongoing Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), a joint collaboration between the City Council, Nottingham County Council and local bus and tram operators.
Says Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council: “We are delighted to receive this investment into Nottingham’s public transport network thanks to the East Midlands Combined County Authority. Buses are one of the best ways to get around our city, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve journeys.
“By continuing to work with bus operators and the county council, we will be able to use this funding to protect bus routes, improve the passenger experience and complement the addition of more state-of-the-art electric buses.”
