Nottingham ‘shining example’ of how to fix ‘broken bus’ system – Lightwood

During a visit to Nottingham City Transport (NCT), new Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood MP, said Nottingham ‘is a shining example of how we can fix the broken bus system‘.

In his first official engagement since taking up the post, Lightwood see what successes NCT has had under local ownership by Nottingham City Council and what the partnership working with other bus operators and local councils already delivers in the city, which has the second highest bus use per resident in the UK outside of London.

(L to R) Simon Lightwood, Under-Secretary of State for Transport and NCT MD, David Astill

Simon Lightwood was joined by the East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward and Leader of Nottingham City Council and Executive Member for Strategic Regeneration, Transport and Communications, Cllr Neghat Khan and toured our Trent Bridge Garage where they could see the investment that has been made in electric buses and infrastructure.

The day before the visit, it was announced in the King’s Speech that local leaders are going to be able to take control of their local bus services.

“Nottingham is a shining example of how we can fix the broken bus system” – Simon Lightwood

During his first official ministerial visit to Nottingham Minister for Local Transport, Simon Lightwood said: “Buses are critical to connect our communities, and Nottingham is a shining example of how we can fix the broken bus system. Yesterday’s King’s Speech is proof of just how important improving buses is to this government. For too long, people have suffered because of unreliable services but the bus revolution starts now. The Better Buses Bill will create and save vital bus routes across the country, as we give every community the power to take back control of their buses and deliver better and more affordable services.”

“NCT is held in high regard nationally for the provision of reliable and high quality services” – NCT Managing Director, David Astill

NCT Managing Director, David Astill, said: “It was a pleasure and privilege to host a visit today from the Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward. Both will be instrumental in shaping the future legislative structure and funding arrangements for bus services in our area, as we strive to get more people out of their cars and onto public transport.

“NCT is held in high regard nationally for the provision of reliable and high quality services. The biggest challenge our brilliant drivers face every day is fighting through roadworks and congestion, and further bus priority is essential if we are to continue to provide services that are seen as a real alternative to travelling by car.”

David concluded: “We have started our journey to a zero-emission fleet with the help of government funding and I was pleased to show the Minister how that funding has been used. I emphasised to both the Minister and the Mayor the importance of keeping those funding streams open so that NCT can assist our great City of Nottingham in achieving its CN28 aspirations.”

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