Bus service improvements set to be discussed next week

11 April 2024

Funding from the Department for Transport will be discussed at next week’s meeting of North Northamptonshire Council’s (NNC) Executive.

Members will meet to consider the funding for a host of improvements to facilities and services to buses across North Northants.

NNC has been allocated £2.045m of funding for bus service improvements in 2024/25 (in addition to previous allocations of £569,412 for both 2023/24 and 2024/25).

The money, from central government, is part of a national initiative called the Bus Service Improvement Plan which aims to improve local bus services. This money will be targeted towards actions which will deliver the best overall outcomes for bus services across North Northamptonshire

If the report is approved, the funding will allow for a significant programme of bus service improvements across North Northamptonshire including:

• To continue to fund existing bus services where they represent value for money or maintain essential connectivity for local communities;
• To increase service frequency or restore services withdrawn since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic where there is a reasonable prospect of the service becoming commercially viable 
• To forward fund improvements where S106 developer funding is due before the end of the funding period to increase the time for the service to achieve commercial viability.

We know that buses are a lifeline for many communities and with this in mind, this money is extremely welcome. We are delighted that central government have recognised the need in North Northants and I look forward to discussing the report in more detail with fellow Executive members.Cllr Matt Binley, the council’s Executive Member for Highways, Travel and Assets

Retaining high quality bus services is a priority for us and this funding stream will have such a positive impact on local communities. From speaking to residents, we know that high quality bus services are vital to help reduce isolation and support local economies.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

The Executive will meet on Thursday 18 April at 10am in the Corby Cube and the papers are now available online. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube.