Work Continues on Future Transport Plans at First EMCCA Transport & Digital Connectivity Committee

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) will take the next bold step towards transforming travel across the region as it prepares to hold the first meeting of its new Transport & Digital Connectivity Committee.

This milestone meeting will bring members together to shape an ambitious vision for the Mayor’s Transport Plan, including:

• Reimagining public transport services.

• Driving forward the transport transition programme.

• Developing a bold pipeline of investment-ready projects – from smoother roads and modern bus fleets to greener rail links and safer cycling routes.

The Mayor’s Transport Plan is expected to go out to public consultation later this year.

£2 billion investment for the East Midlands

The Committee will also oversee bus service improvements, with EMCCA taking over responsibility for day-to-day bus planning. Members will help steer the region’s new transport investment programme, which will begin allocating the £2 billion of Government funding announced for the East Midlands over the next six years.

This represents the largest transport investment in a generation for the region – one designed to connect communities, unlock growth, and make everyday journeys healthier, greener and more reliable.

Leadership and vision

The meeting will welcome Councillor Mick Barton, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, as Chair of the Committee, alongside a mix of new and returning members.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, who is on the Committee, said

This is an important step for the Transport Committee. Not only are we looking to set the transport strategy for the next 15 years, but with £2 billion secured, we can look beyond short-term fixes and start building a transport network worthy of the future we want, one that connects people to jobs, education and opportunity, and powers economic growth for the whole region.

It’s about making sure people can get where they need to go, more easily, more reliably, whether that’s by bus, train, bike or car. This is our chance to do things differently and raise our sights. We’re listening to communities, partners and businesses to make sure we invest where it counts.

Next steps

In the months ahead, EMCCA will work closely with stakeholders and communities to deliver both immediate improvements and long-term, transformational projects. Every pound of funding will be invested to ensure maximum benefit for local people and businesses – now and for generations to come.

The meeting will be streamed live tomorrow, Thursday 11 September, at 11am on EMCCA’s YouTube channel. A recording will be available afterwards.