EMCCA assumes public transport responsibilities across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has taken over responsibility for a range of public transport functions across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, marking a major step in implementing regional transport reform under the East Midlands devolution framework.
image: EMCCA
Since the start of February, EMCCA became the official regional transport authority for Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Derby, assuming strategic oversight of bus policy, supported services, concessionary travel schemes, ticketing and passenger information systems across the area.
Under the change, EMCCA will also manage infrastructure related to public transport — including bus stops, shelters and real-time passenger information displays — and take operational responsibility for major bus stations such as Victoria, Broadmarsh and Bulwell as well as park-and-ride facilities at Queens Drive and Racecourse.
The transfer does not include highway maintenance or traffic management, which remain the responsibility of Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council as local highway authorities.
EMCCA’s expanded role is part of the statutory devolution deal that established the authority in 2024, with the combined county body set up to coordinate transport strategy with broader regional planning for housing, skills and economic growth. The mayor of the East Midlands, who leads EMCCA, is mandated to prepare a Local Transport Plan that will guide regional investment and services.
According to the official public transport transition guidance, EMCCA will be responsible for producing a region-wide Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) and will work closely with local bus operators to enhance services, with funding from the Department for Transport supporting these efforts.
The transfer also encompasses smart and multi-operator ticketing schemes, including the Robin Hood network and Nottingham Contactless, ensuring continuity of fare integration across services.