Projects to improve bus services in rural areas of the Nottinghamshire are set to benefit from £1,497,000 million as the Government unveils the most ambitious shake-up of the bus sector in a generation.
Nottinghamshire County Council will receive the money to fund around eight 16-seater, wheelchair-accessible buses, which will be bookable in advance.
The new services would help people living in Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, the rural western areas of the Rushcliffe and the Ladybrook, Oak Tree and Berry Hill housing estates in Mansfield better access jobs, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities.
As well as boosting travel options for residents, the new service could help the thousands of visitors who visit the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre every year.
The allocations from the Rural Mobility Fund come as the UK Government launches its new National Bus Strategy, backed by £3 billion of investment, which will see passengers across England benefiting from more frequent, more reliable, easier to use and understand, better coordinated and cheaper bus services.
Councillor John Cottee, Chairman of the Communities and Place Committee for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “This week has provided some great news for Nottinghamshire residents. We welcomed the announcement of the National Bus strategy on Monday by the Prime Minister and we will work with local bus operators and adjoining Local Authorities to improve local bus services so people can access work, training, healthcare, shopping and leisure opportunities; as well as helping tackle congestion, air quality and climate change.”
“Yesterday’s news is equally as positive and we are pleased to hear that we had been successful with our Rural Mobility Fund bid (£1.497m) to introduce a number of Demand Responsive Transport pilots across Nottinghamshire; in Rushcliffe, Ollerton and Mansfield.
“These DRT pilots to improve local connectivity will be introduced in late 2021 and early 2022 following consultation with local residents.”