The Mayor of the East Midlands is working with local authorities and bus operators to safeguard public transport services following the closure of CT4N, which has disrupted a number of routes across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
The collapse of the operator has led to job losses and uncertainty for employees, while raising concerns for thousands of passengers who depend on local bus services for travel to work, education, healthcare appointments and other essential journeys.
As the Local Transport Authority for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, the East Midlands Combined County Authority is working closely with operators and partners to minimise disruption and secure replacement services wherever possible. Several affected routes have already been taken over by alternative operators, while discussions continue regarding the remaining services.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, acknowledged the significant impact the loss of services has had on communities and employees:
“Losing a local bus service is life-changing, and we have taken seriously the impact that the collapse of CT4N has had.
“Some services have already been replaced by other operators, and we are working at pace with them and other local partners to explore every available option to further minimise disruption and keep communities connected wherever possible.
“I appreciate that for people employed by CT4N in this region, this will be a difficult time, and we will be happy to support people who have lost their jobs by signposting them into EMCCA’s relevant employment and skills programmes.
“EMCCA will provide updates as soon as further arrangements can be confirmed.”
One of the key developments following the closure is the continuation of the popular Number 18 service. Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has stepped in to operate the route between Nottingham, Queen’s Medical Centre, Beeston Rylands, Beeston, Bramcote and Stapleford from 17 August 2026.
An hourly service on the core Number 18 route will run during the initial two-week transition period. NCT will then introduce the full 18, 18A, 18B and 18X timetable from 1 September 2026, restoring a more comprehensive service for passengers.
EMCCA says work remains ongoing to secure solutions for other affected routes and has pledged to keep residents informed as further arrangements are agreed.
The intervention highlights the importance of collaboration between local transport authorities and bus operators in maintaining vital public transport links across the East Midlands, particularly at a time when reliable bus services remain essential for economic growth, social inclusion and access to key services.
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