The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has outlined her bold plans to deliver a bigger, more ambitious and better bus network for residents across the region – including more frequent services, stronger local connections and a system designed around the needs of passengers.
Members of the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA’s) Transport & Digital Connectivity Committee were told passengers will benefit from a single, coordinated approach to services, with improvements planned for routes, timetables, fares, ticketing, and passenger information.
More than 97 million bus journeys are made each year across the region and EMCCA is working to protect what already works well, while building a better network for the future. EMCCA’s goal is to create a simpler, more reliable and more affordable network that works better for everyone who relies on it.
Mayor Claire said: “This is about more than just buses running on time, it’s about creating a network that connects people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunities, while making travel affordable, convenient and safe for everyone.”
Committee members also confirmed existing services and concessionary schemes will continue as normal, providing continuity while longer-term improvements are developed.
A key focus of today’s committee discussions was ensuring passenger voices are central to decision-making. Plans are under way to invite Transport Focus, the independent watchdog for transport users, and representatives of disabled people’s groups to take part in committee discussions. This will help ensure accessibility, safety, and customer experience are considered in shaping the future of the network.
Mayor Claire on the 61 bus to Buxton
Mayor Claire said: “Our ambition is simple, to make buses across the EMCCA region more reliable, accessible, and easier for people to use. By bringing passenger voices and accessibility groups directly into our decision-making, we can ensure that the improvements we make reflect the needs of the communities we serve every day.”
EMCCA will replace the existing local bus partnerships with a single, region-wide Enhanced Partnership, working closely with operators, councils, passenger groups and Transport Focus.
Importantly, passengers and community groups will have a voice through a dedicated stakeholder panel, feeding directly into decision-making.
Over the coming months, EMCCA will carry out a full review of the network, working with operators and listening to passengers to identify where services, fares and facilities can be improved.
The region is already one of the best places in the country for bus satisfaction, with local areas consistently ranking in the top seven nationally in independent passenger surveys.
By bringing responsibilities together, EMCCA aims to:
A new regional Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) will be developed during 2026, setting out how improvements will be delivered over the next five to 10 years. This will be shaped by passenger feedback and a public consultation.
The new partnership follows the Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation, a 12-week consultation to shape the Mayor’s Transport Plan.
The public consultation attracted strong engagement from residents, businesses, organisations, and community groups across cities, towns and rural areas. It is one of the most extensive transport engagements ever undertaken in the region, providing a strong foundation for the next stage of planning.
Consultation responses will now be paired with other evidence to help shape the overall plan for the region.