EMCCA Becomes Regional Transport Authority for the East Midlands

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has formally assumed its role as the Regional Transport Authority for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Derby.

Under the new arrangements, EMCCA is now responsible for setting regional transport plans and strategies, overseeing investment, and leading on bus policy and operations in close partnership with local bus operators. Responsibility for day-to-day traffic management and road maintenance will remain with city and county councils, as EMCCA does not become the Local Highway Authority.

For now, existing contact details for bus and wider transport enquiries remain unchanged. Further updates will be shared as the transition progresses.

The transfer of responsibilities marks a significant step towards a more connected, efficient and customer-focused transport network across the East Midlands. By centralising strategic transport functions, EMCCA aims to improve coordination between transport, housing, skills and economic development, while unlocking new opportunities for innovation and investment.

EMCCA’s Transport Responsibilities

EMCCA will now oversee the following areas of public transport provision and support:

• Strategic policy and governanceActing as the single public transport authority, EMCCA will set regional transport policy and integrate bus services with wider economic and planning priorities. It will develop a region-wide Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and establish an Enhanced Partnership with public transport operators, with representation from constituent councils.

• Bus service improvementsWorking with operators, EMCCA will plan and deliver improvements to bus services, supported by bus grant funding from the Department for Transport.

• Concessionary travelEMCCA will administer the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS), alongside existing discretionary concessions such as tram concessions, pre-9.30am travel for disabled pass holders, and BSIP-funded free travel for carers in Nottingham (subject to eligibility).

• Supported bus servicesEMCCA will manage and procure subsidised bus services that would not otherwise operate. Existing city-supported service contracts are being transferred to EMCCA to ensure continuity.

• Ticketing and faresEMCCA will lead on smart ticketing and fares, including maintaining and developing multi-operator schemes such as Robin Hood and Nottingham Contactless.

More information on the transition and EMCCA’s evolving responsibilities is available via the authority’s official updates page.