Stoke-on-Trent Unveils £105m Transport Plan with Electric Buses and Cargo Bikes

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has outlined a £105 million transport investment programme, featuring plans for electric buses and “last mile” cargo bikes as part of a wider effort to improve connectivity and sustainability across the city.

The transport delivery plan sets out how the council will allocate its multi-year government funding settlement, with a strong focus on both road infrastructure and public transport improvements.

Key allocations include £41.5 million for highway maintenance through to 2030, £6.6 million for smaller road safety schemes and £12 million to enhance walking and cycling routes. A further £10 million has been earmarked for introducing electric buses and the necessary supporting infrastructure.

Public transport is also set to benefit from £14.1 million to continue the city’s affordable bus fares scheme, while £1.577 million will support existing routes and help introduce new services where needed.

In addition, a £105,000 initiative will fund a fleet of cargo bikes, offering businesses an alternative to cars and vans for short-distance deliveries.

Council leaders say the multi-year funding package—comprising £85.5 million in capital funding to 2030 and £19.5 million in revenue funding to 2029—marks a significant shift, allowing for longer-term planning rather than relying on annual budgets.

Cabinet members have approved the draft plan, which will be finalised and submitted to government by September. Councillor Finlay Gordon McCusker, cabinet member for regeneration, described it as the beginning of a “new chapter” for transport in the city.

He said the funding would help address everyday issues such as road maintenance, congestion and bus services, while also enabling investment in cleaner transport options like electric buses.

Additional measures within the plan include:

• £9.06 million for strategic infrastructure upgrades to ease congestion and improve connectivity

• £2 million to expand the School Streets programme, restricting traffic near schools at peak times

• £2 million for real-time information displays and CCTV at bus stops

• £800,000 to extend 20mph zones to improve road safety

• £672,000 to promote walking, cycling and sustainable travel behaviour

• £100,000 for road safety studies to better understand collision risks

The programme builds on previous investment in bus services, including a £31.7 million improvement plan introduced under the former administration.

Councillor Chris Robinson highlighted improvements already seen in bus services, noting increased reliability, cleaner vehicles and higher passenger numbers, reflecting growing confidence in public transport.