December 18, 2024
Take a look at some of our transport 2024 highlights.
January
Travel Well Programme Launch
We received funding from the Department for Transport to support walking and cycling in communities like Aspley, Beechdale, and St Ann’s. This programme helps people access activities like bike repairs, cycle training, and led walks to promote healthier lifestyles.
February
New Bus Lane on A610
Work at Cinderhill Island was completed to make bus journeys faster and safer. This includes a new 24-hour bus lane, safer pedestrian crossings, a cycle lane, and improved road safety.
Bus Service Improve Plan
Thanks to securing funding through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), key bus routes like the 49, NCT 3, 50, and 70 are now supported, ensuring reliable transport options for local communities.
March
Network North Funding
We received part of the £150 million in funding from the Government to improve local roads and help create smoother, safer travel across the city.
Electric projects
Ongoing projects to become carbon neutral by 2028, helping the city reduce transport-related carbon emissions, improve air quality, and support economic growth.
Workplace Travel Service Achievements
The council’s Workplace Travel Service, funded by the Transforming Cities Fund and Local Transport Plan, has supported local businesses and organisations with over £800,000 in grants to install green travel measures supporting sustainable commuting.
April
Cycle Park Upgrade
All 20 Nottingham Cycle Parks was upgraded with new smart readers and a new Broad Marsh Cycle Park with over 100 spaces has also opened, offering more secure storage for cyclists.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Hub
Thanks to the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund, we’ve installed eight 50kw rapid charge points at Toton Park and Ride, making it the largest rapid charging hub on the D2N2 network.
E-bike and E-scooter Parking
As part of the Transforming Cities fund, Nottingham City Council is installing 275 racks for e-bikes and e-scooters to improve parking. The racks are located in areas with high usage or poor parking, aiming to reduce congestion and improve safety.
Lighting up Nottingham with energy-efficient LEDs
We upgraded over 36,000 streetlights across Nottingham with energy-saving LEDs. The new lights use less energy, last longer, and help us move closer to Nottingham’s goal of being carbon-neutral by 2028.
May
Roads and paths improved
We completed over 250 projects as part of the Streets for People programme, including resurfacing more than 100km of roads and paths. With local input, we’ve made pavements safer, repaired roads, improved cycle paths, and planted over 200 trees to create greener, more welcoming neighbourhoods.
June
Supporting Guide Dogs with free travel on public transport
The Robin Hood Network has continued to support Guide Dogs by offering free travel passes to trainers across Greater Nottingham. Since 2022, over 600 journeys have helped trainee guide dogs get used to buses, trams, and other public transport.
Nottingham Cycle Park at Broad Marsh gets a makeover
The Nottingham Cycle Park at Broad Marsh was revamped, offering over 100 secure spaces for bikes. The cycle park now features bright window stickers, a large Nottingham Cycle Map, and a mural designed by Jess Bright Design.
Maid Marian Way Roundabout transformation begins
Work started on transforming the Maid Marian Way roundabout into a safer area for pedestrians and cyclists. This £1.7 million scheme is funded through the Future High Streets Fund, improving access to green spaces, trees, and sustainable drainage.
July
Transport Minister visit
The Local Transport Minister visited to see how Nottingham’s public transport has thrived through local investment.
Active Travel Scheme on Porchester Road
Work began on a £1.7 million project funded by Active Travel England to make Porchester Road safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Green Travel Grant Boosts Cycling at Daltons Wadkin
Thanks to a £14,255 grant from Nottingham City Council, Daltons Wadkin saw a 200% increase in staff cycling to work. The funding helped install secure bike shelters and EV charging points, supporting greener travel options for employees.
August
West Yorkshire Mayor Visit
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, visited Nottingham to learn about the city’s successful tram network. The visit was part of West Yorkshire’s plans to develop their own tram lines.
September
Phase 2 of Streets for People Programme started
Work began on Phase 2 of the Streets for People programme, aiming to improve 15.9km of roads and plant more trees. The programme also won a prestigious APSE award.
Nottingham Earns Top Spot in Active travel Provision in a Government review
Nottingham was ranked among the top councils for active travel infrastructure, achieving a ‘3’ rating from Active Travel England.
Nottingham’s Green Heart Creates New Urban Green Space
A new green space, the Green Heart, was created in Nottingham’s city centre, . This was made possible through the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund, enhancing the area around the Central Library and Broad Marsh.
Upgrading Traffic Lights to LEDs for Safer, Greener Roads
Thanks to a £631,000 grant from the Government, Nottingham began upgrading its traffic lights to energy-efficient LEDs. This project covers 60 junctions and 70 crossings, aims to improve traffic safety and reduce maintenance.
October
Cross-City Cycle Routes programme
The £7.8m project enhanced farer cycling infastructure across Nottingham’s city centre, funded by the Transforming Cities Fund.
- Mental Wellbeing through Walking
Rosie shared on BBC Radio Nottingham how walking activities, introduced through the Travel Well programme, helped her mental health and confidence.
New Bridge Over the River Trent Approved
Nottingham City Council secured final approval for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent. This project will improve connectivity between Trent Basin and Lady Bay, helping to reduce car use and boost sustainable travel as part of the city’s carbon neutral 2028 goal.
Workplace Travel Service Helps Local Businesses
Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust received a grant to improve cycling facilities for staff, including new bike shelters and shower facilities. This grant is part of a wider effort to encourage greener travel options across local businesses.
Donation of free travel cards helps with scouting around the city
The 1st Chilwell and Attenborough Scout Group participated in the Oligopoly event, a game that teaches young people to navigate the city using public transport. Over 300 participants used Robin Hood pay-as-you-go cards to travel around the city, helping develop skills like teamwork and urban navigation.
November
NCT Wins bus operator of the Year 2024
NCT’s innovations and service excellence were recognised with the prestigious award. Over the past year NCT introduced 24 electric buses, carried 2.5% more passengers with added new app features and expanded routes.
Council awards 15 year bus shelter contract
Nottingham city council has awarded a 15 year contract to JCDecausx UK to refurbish 800 bus shelters with energy-efficient LEDS and smart technology.
December
Nottingham’s buses continue to lead the way
Nottingham saw a 10% rise in passenger figures versus 2023 – an incredible feat for a city which has had a strong and popular bus network for decades.
There are some big projects on the horizon for 2025 so watch this space.