The East Midlands is set to enjoy faster, cheaper, and more reliable bus services thanks to a new £157.4 million investment announced by the Government.
Local authorities will receive a portion of this funding every year up to 2028/29 and can use the money in ways that work best for their communities. This could include lowering bus fares, adding new routes, rolling out zero-emission buses, or upgrading bus stops to make them safer and easier to use.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “This is a huge boost for everyone who relies on buses across the East Midlands. 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.”
Minister for Roads and Buses, Simon Lightwood, said: “For too long, passengers have been let down by unreliable services, substandard 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 to ease the cost of living and make it easier for people to get to work, hospital appointments, and social plans, boosting the economy.”
This landmark funding follows the Bus Services Act becoming law in October, which gave councils the power to run local services how they see fit and provides greater protection to socially necessary routes.
Local leaders, rather than Whitehall, will now decide how bus services should be run, continuing the Government’s commitment to ensuring services are run for people, not profit.
This funding announcement from the Government comes during Mayor Claire Ward’s biggest transport conversation in decades, asking for views from local people on how to make transport in the East Midlands easier to use, cleaner, and better connected.
Buses are a key focus, with plans to make services more reliable, affordable, and accessible while improving stops and routes to better connect communities. The 15-year vision also tackles congestion, air pollution, and safer, greener travel, ensuring everyone in the East Midlands has easy, reliable ways to get around by 2040.
The Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation is running until 8 February 2026 – have your say on the transport network you want to see here.
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