Derby City Council reveals plans for eRT route

Derby city centre

Derby City Council has revealed fresh details of its joint bid for over £100 million from the second phase of the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund – including plans for the city’s first dedicated mass transit link.

Should the joint bid with Nottingham City Council prove successful, Derby could be set to benefit from a high quality electric Rapid Transit (eRT) route running directly across the city centre, linking key intra-city destinations and public areas. The Council says the line would include “extensive” traffic-free routing.

Three new “smart” park and ride hubs have also been proposed, and a more demand-responsive transport service linking the city centre and rail station to key employment sites including Rolls Royce, Bombardier and Pride Park would be established to provide an innovative alternative to car travel for commuters.

Cycle lane improvements and major upgrades to city bus routes would also take place.

The bid also includes further initiatives to better connect Derby, Nottingham and East Midlands airport, including the consolidation of cashless payments and seamless ticketing in Derby; better real time information, signal and bus lane priority for public transport across the region and upgraded cycle links between the two cities.

Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader and cabinet member for planning, regeneration and transport, said: “The Council has been determined to make this a truly ambitious bid, demonstrating that Derby is ready to transform transport across the City area and enhance the links between Derby and Nottingham.

“The economic benefits will be huge for both cities because this level of investment offers the chance to implement some really exciting changes, bringing mass transit to the city, and creating public transport innovations and transport experiences.

“A key part of the proposals, for example, is a dramatic expansion of sustainable travel options. These include a network of cycle lanes and an improved environment to encourage walking.

“The overarching ambition is to radically improve the connections between where people live and work, and provide better access to employment and training. As part of our commitment to clear air, we have also designed our programme to deliver significant reductions in emissions, encourage a more active and healthier population, and to support inward investment and regeneration projects.”

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