Big Transport Conversation
- elizanderson8
- Jan 7
- 2 min read
We’re encouraging local residents, businesses, and community groups to take part in the East Midlands’ biggest transport conversation in decades.
The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has launched her 12-week Big Transport Conversation to help shape a bold new 15-year vision for the region’s transport network.
The draft East Midlands Local Transport Plan aims to make travel across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire easier, cleaner, and better connected. It is a big step toward inclusive growth, linking people to jobs, education, healthcare, and opportunity no matter where they live.
Why your voice matters
Mayor Claire Ward has outlined six key “fights” to guide the plan, and she wants local communities to share their experiences and ideas:
Fighting congestion – Identifying the worst traffic hotspots and local solutions to ease daily jams.
Fighting for young people’s independence – Ensuring safe, affordable travel for students and young people.
Fighting for connected communities – Improving links between towns, cities, and the places people live and work.
Fighting for reliable public transport – Making buses, trains, and other services dependable for everyone.
Fighting for better roads – Highlighting areas where maintenance and investment are urgently needed.
Fighting for safe and clean bus stops – Ensuring stops are safe, well-lit, and accessible for all.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: “For too many people, life doesn’t work because transport doesn’t work. When buses don’t turn up, roads are full of potholes or trains are too expensive, it affects work, education, healthcare and family life.
“I want public transport to be an easy and affordable choice for everyone. I want communities connected to one another, not just to large cities. And I want our roads and infrastructure to be maintained to a high standard.
“I’m ready to fight for the improvements that will make the East Midlands a fairer, greener, better-connected region. Some things will take time, but others can change quickly if we focus our efforts in the right places.”
What the plan aims to achieve
The Mayor’s Local Transport Plan focuses on three long-term priorities:
Making public transport easier to use and better value for money
Providing more real travel choices to reduce car dependency and connect communities
Upgrading and maintaining highways to ensure safety, reliability, and resilience
For the first time, the Mayor, through East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has the power to plan transport as a fully integrated network, connecting buses, trains, trams, walking, and cycling routes across the region. The Plan sets a direction for billions in investment to create a transport system that supports thriving businesses, strong communities, and clean, connected places to live.
How to get involved
The Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation runs from 17 November 2025 to 13 February 2026. Visit to have your say.
