£65.5 million boost for bus passengers in the East Midlands
Bus passengers across the East Midlands are set to benefit from faster, more affordable and more reliable services following a new £65.5 million investment announced by the Government.
Local transport authorities nationwide will receive a share of £3 billion in funding each year until 2028/29, with £65.5 million allocated to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). This funding will be spread evenly across three years.
The investment will provide local authorities with the flexibility to enhance services in ways that best meet the needs of their communities This could include reducing bus fares, introducing new routes, rolling out zero-emission buses, or upgrading bus stops to make them safer and more accessible.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:
“This is a huge boost for everyone who relies on buses across our region. People can look forward to services that are faster, cheaper, greener, and far more reliable, making it easier to get to work, school, hospital appointments, or simply visit friends and family.
“For the first time, multi-year funding gives us the certainty to plan for the long term, so local communities will finally see bus services designed around their needs. Whether it’s new routes, modern zero-emission buses, or safer, more accessible stops, this investment will make everyday travel simpler, more convenient, and more affordable.
“Better bus services mean more people can access opportunities, businesses can grow, and communities can thrive. This funding isn’t just about buses, it’s about connecting people, unlocking potential, and giving everyone in the East Midlands the freedom to travel with confidence.”
EMCCA will receive a Local Authority Bus Grant of £21,848,207 in each of 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29. This totals £65,544,621 to be invested across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire over the next three years.
Roads and buses minister Simon Lightwood said:
“For too long, passengers have been let down by unreliable services, sub-standard bus stations and over a decade of routes being cut.
“This £3 billion boost changes this, providing passengers with lower fares, more frequent and reliable services and safer journeys – helping both ease the cost of living and making it easier for people to get to work, hospital appointments and social plans, boosting the economy.”
The funding follows the Bus Services Act becoming law in October, giving councils greater control over how local services are run and offering increased protection for socially necessary routes.
Decision-making will now sit with local leaders rather than Whitehall, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to ensuring services are designed around people’s needs.
The announcement comes during Mayor Claire’s Big Transport Conversation, which is gathering views from residents on how transport in the East Midlands can be made easier to use, cleaner and better connected.
Buses are a key focus of the conversation, with plans to improve reliability, affordability and accessibility, alongside upgrades to routes and stops to better connect communities. The long-term vision also addresses congestion, air quality and greener travel, helping to ensure reliable transport options across the East Midlands by 2040.
The Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation runs until 8 February 2026. To share your views on the future of transport in the region, visit
www.eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/mayors-transport-plan
