Passengers in Nottingham are set to benefit from 31 additional electric buses, as Nottingham City Transport (NCT) accelerates its transition to a fully zero‑emission fleet with support from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
The investment has been made possible through EMCCA funding, provided by the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, and awarded via Nottinghamshire County Council. For the full fleet of 31 buses, EMCCA is contributing £6.3 million, with £12.3 million of match‑funding from NCT.
Once the new vehicles are delivered, NCT’s zero‑emission electric fleet will increase to 93 buses in total, meaning one‑third of the operator’s fleet will be fully electric. The expansion marks another significant milestone in Nottingham’s shift towards cleaner, greener public transport.
The electric buses support shared regional ambitions to become carbon neutral, while also providing passengers with a modern, quieter and more comfortable way to travel.
The latest order includes five Yutong U11DD electric double‑decker buses, and seven Yutong E12 electric single‑deck buses. A further 12 electric buses are expected to enter service in April 2027, while the previously announced vehicles are scheduled to arrive in late 2026.
The investment follows the Mayor of the East Midlands setting out plans for a bigger, more ambitious and better bus network across the region. The vision includes:
- More frequent services
- Stronger local connections
- A bus system designed around the needs of passengers
Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands, said:
“People want their buses to be clean, quiet, and efficient, and EMCCA is on the case. To support this in Nottingham, we are adding 31 new buses to the NCT fleet, ensuring that more people can have a positive experience of using public transport.”
“These buses bring everything that our residents have told us they need from their journeys, with air conditioning, extra leg room, and full colour destination displays. And this is vital; the more that people use the bus, the closer we get to building a city that is clean, well connected, and climate resilient.”
Over the coming months, EMCCA will undertake a full review of the bus network, working closely with operators and engaging with passengers to identify where services, fares and facilities can be improved.
Together, the fleet investment and network review signal a renewed focus on buses as a cornerstone of sustainable, inclusive regional transport.
Image credit: iStock
