The Mayor of the East Midlands has highlighted the importance of ‘better buses’ by investing in services as a key part of plans to improve local transport, support communities, and reduce congestion across the region.
By modernising the bus network through new vehicles, improved routes, and upgraded infrastructure, the East Midland Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is working to make everyday journeys easier, more reliable, and affordable for residents. Prioritising investment in buses helps connect people to work, school, and essential services while supporting a greener, more sustainable transport system.
By putting passengers at the heart of the network, EMCCA is helping to create high-quality, accessible travel options that strengthen communities and enhance the lives of residents.
Passengers across the East Midlands are set to benefit from a £65.5 million investment in bus services over the next three years, part of a national funding package for local transport authorities. EMCCA will receive £21,848,207 in each of the 2026/27, 2027/28, and 2028/29 financial years to improve services across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.
EMCCA will receive this revenue funding directly, and provide continued support for bus services and fare initiatives to benefit residents across the region.
Mayor Claire said: “Reliable, affordable transport is essential for our region. That’s why we’re investing in bus services to make everyday journeys smoother, greener, and more connected for everyone.
“Transport isn’t just about moving people, it’s about building stronger communities and making the East Midlands a place everyone can get around safely and efficiently.”
As part of the regional investment, Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has placed an order for 19 electric double-decker buses, supported by £4.5m of EMCCA funding. The buses are expected to enter service in late 2026, marking the start of electrification of Nottingham’s double-decker fleet.
Mayor Claire said: “I am delighted to support the roll-out of electric buses onto our roads. This is a huge step forward in my push for sustainable, low-carbon travel, and will help make our streets cleaner, greener, and safer. I look forward to seeing these vehicles in action later this year, and I’m sure passengers will enjoy the positive difference they will make to public transport across the region.”
NCT will be one of the first UK operators to introduce Yutong’s next-generation battery-electric double-decker bus, designed with higher-capacity batteries for busy city networks.
The Transport City Regions (TCR) capital funding is central to Mayor Claire’s wider ambition to modernise bus services, cut carbon emissions, reduce congestion, and put passengers at the heart of a modern, reliable public transport network. Over the next three years, the £120m in funding will improve routes, expand services, upgrade infrastructure, and continue the rollout of zero-emission vehicles across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, delivering real improvements for communities across the region. This funding is part of the historic £2 billion funding announced last year.
Mayor Claire said: “This investment is about delivering transport people can rely on every day, while supporting stronger, cleaner, and greener communities. Public transport isn’t just about moving people, it’s about connecting communities, unlocking opportunities, and creating a region that works for everyone.”
The recent funding comes as Mayor Claire Ward continues her Big Transport Conversation, inviting residents to shape a cleaner, safer, and better-connected transport system for the region. Buses remain a key focus, with plans to improve reliability, affordability, accessibility, and connections between communities, alongside action to reduce congestion, improve air quality, and support greener travel.
The Big Transport Conversation runs until 8 February, giving people across the East Midlands the opportunity to help shape the transport network they want to see by 2040.