East Midlands will benefit from the largest transport investment in a generation through the Government’s new ‘Transport for City Regions’ Fund

The East Midlands are to benefit from the largest transport investment in a generation as the mayor secures up to £2 billion.

The funding came through the Government’s new Transport for City Region’s Fund and will be used to deliver a modern, reliable and integrated transport system across the region.

The agreement, which is for five years and follows extensive negotiations with the Government, will act as the launchpad for a major renewal in the region’s fortunes.

It builds on the Mayor’s, Claire Ward, vision to build a transport system that meets the needs of today while laying the foundations for a more connected, prosperous East Midlands.

“This is the largest transport investment our region has seen in a generation.

Claire Ward said: “As Mayor of the East Midlands, one of my most important responsibilities is to ensure that Government sees this region through the eyes of those who live, work, and travel here, and to make sure we are treated as a national priority.

“Today’s announcement is the clearest sign yet that this approach is working.

“This is the moment we begin to put right decades of underinvestment. From everyday frustrations to major barriers to growth, poor transport has held our region back for too long. Whether you’re a student weighing up college options, a small business struggling to recruit, or a visitor-facing venue trying to grow footfall, I know what happens when transport doesn’t work.

“Fixing it will be central to my Transport Plan, and now we have the resources to deliver real, tangible change.”

A centrepiece of the plan is the development of a large-scale public transport system linking Derby and Nottingham, strengthening the Trent Arc corridor, a key growth zone for the region.

The Trent Arc is one of the East Midlands’ most immediate and investable opportunities.

Spanning two cities, the Freeport, and sites like Infinity Park Investment Zone and Ratcliffe-on-Soar, it will deliver 40,000 new jobs, 30,000 homes, and contribute £2.4 billion to the UK economy.

This funding will support improved rail, road and bus connections throughout the corridor, including access to the East Midlands Freeport and the East Midlands Intermodal Park, home to major employers like Toyota.

The mayor added: “We’re getting to work straight away.

“That means strengthening the rail, road and bus links between Derby and Nottingham, the vital Trent Arc. It means delivering long-overdue projects like the Chesterfield-Staveley Relief Route and finally addressing congestion pinch points like the A614/A6097 in north Nottinghamshire.

“I look forward to working with partners across the East Midlands to deliver these improvements. Better transport doesn’t just move people.

“It powers opportunity, unlocks growth, and connects us to a better future.”