More than £3m of external funding will be invested into Nottingham’s public transport network in 2025/26 thanks to the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

Nottingham City Council is expected to officially accept the funding at its Executive Board meeting on Tuesday 22 July.

Through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Nottingham City Council has been working with Nottinghamshire County Council and local bus/tram operators to make real changes across the public transport network. This funding, supported by the Department for Transport and East Midlands Combined County Authority, aims to ensure authorities and operators continue to work together to improve services for passengers.

This £3.2m investment over the next year will:

• Continue to support care leavers – Robin Hood travel cards are being given to young people leaving the care of Nottingham City Council as they transition into the next phase of their lives.
• Enhance, protect and support bus services that are at risk of withdrawal, to maintain attractive levels of service frequency, ensuring wider service coverage to help people access work, study and leisure.
• Continue the popular Commuter Discount Scheme and maintain free pre 9.30 travel for city residents who are mobility card holders.
• Continue to help young people – Funding will be used to keep the ticket price point for those aged 19-21 which mirrors student pricing so all young people – regardless of their situation – can benefit from cheaper travel.
• Complement £4.9m of infrastructure investment in the roll-out of additional electric buses on the network, which will make a significant contribution to Nottingham’s ambition to be Carbon Neutral by 2028, improve the passenger experience and reduce air and noise pollution in our local neighbourhoods.
• Invest in a new Travel Safe Partnership, supported by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, which will see Transport Safety Officers deployed to the bus and tram network to support safer journeys for all.
• Support the operational costs of key pieces of public transport infrastructure including the city’s bus stations, park and ride sites, bus stops, real time public transport information and smart ticketing.

These measures will build on the programme of public transport improvements being delivered through the existing Bus Service Improvement Programme.

Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “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.”