Boost for bus network as new investment plan unveiled

A new £9.9 million government grant will help to support the ongoing transformation of Stoke-on-Trent’s bus network – and give residents more choice when it comes to travelling around the city.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council secured the cash last year to enable it to build on the success of its ongoing Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Now cabinet is set to approve an investment plan for the phase 4 BSIP funding at a meeting next Tuesday (March 25).

The plan includes the continuation of the city’s discounted travel scheme, and improvements at four problem junctions - at the A52 Hartshill Road and the A520 Weston Road - where bus passengers are currently experiencing frustrating delays.

Other proposals include the installation of new lighting and additional security measures at Hanley and Longton bus stations and continued support to improve links between Etruria Valley, neighbouring retail parks, the city centre and the railway station.

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "For too long, working people in Stoke-on-Trent have been stuck with a bus system that doesn’t work for them. Unreliable services, high fares and routes that don’t meet the needs of our communities - this is the result of decades of underinvestment and broken promises. But we are changing that.

"Through the Bus Service Improvement Plan, we’ve already fought for and secured millions of pounds to cut fares, expand services and make real upgrades to our bus network. And now, with this latest £9.87 million investment, we’re continuing to build a system that actually works - for workers, for students, for families, and for our entire city.

"When public transport is affordable, reliable, and accessible, it doesn’t just help the people who take the bus - it helps all of us. It means stronger local businesses, more jobs, cleaner air and a city that moves forward together. It means real economic opportunity for every part of Stoke-on-Trent.

"We will continue fighting for more investment, more accountability and a truly modern bus system that works for working people - because our city and our people deserve nothing less."

Earlier phases of the city council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan have already seen major improvements to the local bus network.

This includes the introduction of lower fares for adults and young people and the launch of almost 30 new bus routes across the city. 

At the same time, the scheme - which is being supported by £31.6 million of government funding - has also seen 200 bus stops made more accessible for passengers and a new customer charter which outlines a commitment to passengers who travel by bus.

For more information about Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s BSIP scheme, visit www.stoke.gov.uk/busserviceimprovementplan.