Reliable public transport, well-maintained roads and better-connected communities are among the top priorities identified by residents across the East Midlands in one of the region’s biggest transport consultations. More than 36,000 people shared their views for the future of transport across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire through the Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation, led by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.
The 12-week consultation, held from November 2025 to February 2026, invited residents, businesses, and organisations to help shape the Mayor’s Transport Plan. The plan will set the strategic direction for the region’s transport network and support economic growth, new homes and access to opportunity through to 2040.
Mayor Ward said:
“Thank you to everyone who took part in the Big Transport Conversation. More than 36,000 people shared their experiences, ideas and ambitions for transport in the East Midlands, and their message is clear: people want transport that makes everyday life easier, connects communities and opens up opportunity.
“Reliable buses, well-maintained roads, safe and affordable journeys, and better links to work, education and healthcare matter deeply to people. They are essential to building a fairer region, where every community can share in the benefits of growth.
“We have secured £2.2 billion from Government for transport, and we’re working with councils, transport operators and businesses to make sure that investment delivers better journeys for people across the East Midlands. The Mayor’s Transport Plan will set out how we build on that investment over the years ahead, bringing our plans for buses, roads, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling together through to 2040. We will keep listening to what people tell us and be open about the progress we make.”
The findings also show how priorities vary across the region. Rural communities placed particular emphasis on better public transport and reducing isolation, while respondents in Derby and Nottingham gave greater priority to affordable fares, integrated ticketing and a wider choice of travel options. Young people emphasised affordability, and disabled respondents highlighted the importance of reliable, accessible and safe journeys.
The findings will now shape the full Mayor’s Transport Plan, alongside technical evidence and assessments of its effects on communities, health, equality and the environment. The next stage will develop proposals for regional bus improvements, the most important local roads and higher-capacity public transport, before the full plan is published for a second public consultation and formally adopted.
(Picture: East Midlands Combined County Authority)
