For too many of us here in the East Midlands, life doesn’t work because transport doesn’t work.
When buses don’t turn up, roads are full of potholes or trains are too expensive, it affects work, education, healthcare and family life, writes Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.
I want to change that. That is why I have just launched The Mayor’s Transport Plan, setting out how travel across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will become easier, cleaner and better connected.
From April next year, for the first time, I will have the power to plan transport across the East Midlands as one joined-up network, bringing buses, trams, trains, walking and cycling routes together across the region.
The plan marks a major step forward for growth – linking people to jobs, skills, education and opportunity wherever they live. It sets a clear direction for billions of pounds of investment to deliver a transport system that drives fairness, growth and sustainability, supporting thriving businesses, strong communities and clean, connected places to live.
However, now I want to hear from you – residents, employers, employees and community groups – about the transport network you want to see. Where should buses serve – and when? Where is cycling infrastructure not up to scratch? Where do we need better roads and pavements?
I want public transport to be an easy and affordable choice for everyone. I want communities connected to one another, not just to large cities. And I want our roads and infrastructure to be maintained to a high standard.
That is how we will make life work for everyone, connecting communities, supporting business, reducing inequality and helping the region grow fairly.
My plan is built around six key fights, which matter to me the most: fighting congestion; fighting for young people’s independence; fighting for connected communities; fighting for reliable public transport; fighting for better roads; and fighting for safe and clean bus stops.
I’m ready to fight for these improvements which will make the East Midlands a fairer, greener and better-connected region. Some things will take time, but others can change quickly, if we focus our efforts in the right places.
But now I need your views on what a modern, fair and affordable transport network could like in the years ahead.
My Big Transport Conversation around the Mayor’s Transport Plan runs until 8 February, 2026 – Click here to have your say and be part of building a better-connected East Midlands, or pop along to one of the upcoming consultation events: