As I See It: Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment talks about the benefits of bus group tickets

How often do you purchase a group bus ticket? Perhaps you like to head out for the day with your family or travel together with friends. — writes councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet member for Transport and Environment.

Well, this summer, group travel by bus has got even better because we have funded up to a third-off selected group bus tickets as part of the Nottinghamshire and Greater Nottingham Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIPs).

This means that you will be able to travel around Newark for less using either Stagecoach’s Newark Group DayRider or Vectare’s Newark Group ticket.

To give you some idea of the discount, a Stagecoach Newark Group DayRider would normally cost £12 but this summer it will only cost you £8.

Similarly, Vectare’s Newark Group ticket would normally cost £9 but as part of the offer this has been reduced to £6.

These discounts will be in place until Sunday 1 September.

We have been working alongside Nottingham City Council as well as bus operators including CT4N, Nottingham City Transport, Stagecoach East Midlands, trentbarton and Vectare to make these ticket discounts a reality, and this is part of our commitment to make bus travel better for all.

There’s plenty to do in Newark this summer – whether it’s an event at Newark Library or you’re heading into Newark Town Centre to visit shops or attractions, there’s never been a better time to travel together by bus.

Using the bus is safe, easy and environmentally friendly, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

If you’re looking to purchase a discounted group ticket this summer, make sure to check with your local bus operator for terms and conditions. You can also find a list of participating tickets on our website: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/travel-notts/travelling-by-bus/group-bus-ticket-discounts

There’s also more good bus news for Newark as from Monday 29 July you will be able to travel on our new Newark Evening Nottbus On Demand service.

This brand-new zone will run Monday to Saturday from 7:30pm until midnight and will cover areas including Newark Town Centre, Coddington, Balderton, Hawtonville and Winthorpe.

You will be able to connect into both train stations as well as shops, bars restaurants and leisure activities.

Booking a journey is simple – all you need to do is download the easy-to-use Nottbsus On Demand app. You can also call 0115 804 0404 between 8:30am and 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30am to 4:30pm Friday, excluding bank holidays.

You can find out more about Nottbus On Demand on the Nottinghamshire County Council website: https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/transport/travel-notts/travelling-by- bus/nottsbusondemand

So, whether you’re looking to travel as a group this summer or in the evenings around Newark, there’s never been a better time to travel by bus.