East Midlands Combined County Authority to work closely with Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire councils and bus operators to spend £40million transport boost

The mayor of the East Midlands has welcomed £40million of funding to transform lives in the region through better public transport.

The funding has been allocated to improve bus services in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, as part of a the Government’s ‘bus revolution’ to bring London-style services to communities across the country.

It has been provided to the East Midlands Combined County Authority for 2025-26, as the lead on transport for the region.

Mayor Claire Ward, said: “Improving our bus services is about more than just getting people from A to B — it’s about transforming lives and communities.

“This funding is a fantastic opportunity to connect people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, making it easier to access jobs, skills training, health appointments, and our incredible tourist attractions. Reliable, affordable buses are the lifeblood of our region, bringing people closer to opportunity and helping businesses to thrive.

“By working closely with councils and operators, we’ll make sure every penny of this funding makes a difference, creating a bus network that our communities can depend on and be proud of. Together, we’re building a region where everyone has the chance to succeed.”

The authority’s plan is to work closely with partner councils and bus operators to develop the bus network further and discuss how to share the funding to get the best use of it.

It will aim to keep fares down, protect routes, and deliver more reliable services.