July 19, 2024
Nottingham City Council is working to make holistic changes to the bus network in Nottingham. This has included infrastructure improvements such building more bus lanes, as well as improving ticketing options and access to public transport for a wider range of people.
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 fund – supported by the Department for Transport aims to ensure authorities and operators work together to improve services for passengers.
Supporting care leavers
Robin Hood travel cards are now being given to young people leaving the care of Nottingham City Council as they transition into the next phase of their lives.
Supporting young people
Funding has also been used to create a new 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. The scheme has been a success with 140,000 journeys made on bus and trams since September 2023.
Protecting bus routes
The bus support package is another area of support which protects important routes and ensures wider service coverage. We are using this funding to support key routes like the NCT 018a, 49, 50 70 /71 and the 3 as well as the trentbarton two, keeping them running regularly to help people access work, study and leisure.
More electric buses
Further upgrades to the city’s electric bus fleet have been made using ZEBRA funding to upgrade the charging facilities at NCT’s depot and buying 24 new electric buses with 48 more on their way.
More bus lanes
Three schemes have also been out to consultation to expand the city’s 26km network of bus lanes – including along Moor Bridge, Wollaton Road and Edwards Lane – these will begin construction in the second half 2024.
Cheaper group travel
Coming up this summer, further BSIP funding will be used to make group travel cheaper across the county, with most operators group tickets reduced by 1/3. So families and friends can enjoy sunny days out at a reduced rate.
Ambitious Plans Beyond 2025
A £120m Package of measures including complete electrification of all buses across Nottingham and further measures to enhance the passenger experience across the bus network
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council and Executive Member for Transport, said: “Buses are one of the best ways to get around our city and so we’re always looking for new ways to improve journeys for our citizens. By working with bus operators and the county council, we’ve been able to use government funding to protect bus routes, put in more bus lanes and add more electric buses. Having a new regional Mayor will also give us the opportunity to build on this further. Our next aim is to improve bus stations and stops at the QMC, and to tackle anti-social behaviour by funding a Transport Safety Officer. Continuing our green ambitions, we plan to replace all the diesel and biogas buses with electric buses.”
