The Minister 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. The pary toured NCT’s Trent Bridge depot, where they saw the investment that has been made in zero-emission electric buses and infrastructure.
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.”
He 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.”
Commenting on the visit and his new role, the Minister 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.”
