Nottingham Named England’s Top City for Bus Passenger Satisfaction

Nottingham has been recognised as the leading city for bus travel in England, with the latest 2026 Your Bus Journey survey placing Nottingham City Transport (NCT) at the top for customer satisfaction and Greater Nottingham as one of the highest-rated areas overall.

The independent survey, which gathers feedback from around 48,000 passenger journeys across England, Scotland and Wales, measures satisfaction across key areas including punctuality, value for money, journey times and onboard experience.

Nottingham stood out on multiple fronts. NCT achieved the highest operator satisfaction score in England at 94%, while the Greater Nottingham area recorded a joint top satisfaction rating of 93%—an increase of three percentage points compared to the previous year.

Other operators in the city also performed strongly, with trentbarton achieving a 91% satisfaction score and ranking 11th nationally.

The results build on a series of recent achievements for Nottingham City Transport. Department for Transport data released in December 2025 showed Nottingham has the second highest bus usage outside London. Managing Director David Astill was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours for his contribution to public transport, while driver Zohra Rani was named the UK’s top bus driver at the 2025 UK Bus Awards.

NCT is also shortlisted for the Best Public Transport Decarbonisation award, reflecting its investment in 62 new electric single-deck buses to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

A further £4.5 million in funding from the East Midlands Combined Authority will support the introduction of 19 electric double-decker buses, expected to enter service later in 2026.

The city’s transport network benefits from a strong emphasis on integration, with buses, trams, cycle routes, e-bikes, and e-scooters all working together to provide seamless travel options. Nottingham City Council, which holds an 82% stake in NCT, has played a key role in ensuring that services complement one another rather than compete.

Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport, said the recognition is a proud moment for Nottingham, highlighting the success of public ownership and collaborative working in delivering reliable, high-quality services.

David Astill praised the dedication of NCT staff, noting that maintaining reliable services during a year of roadworks and diversions made the top ranking particularly rewarding. He also thanked passengers for their continued support and feedback.

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said the results demonstrate what can be achieved with a strong local focus and commitment to passengers. However, she also pointed out the need to raise standards across the wider region, with ambitions to create a more reliable, affordable and accessible public transport system for all.