The future of a bus serving Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield has been secured after the government provided funding to keep the bus route operational.
The NCT 50 will receive the cash boost as part of the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).
The 50, which currently runs from Victoria Retail Park to the city through Colwick Industrial Estate and along Daleside Road, now also runs later into the evening seven days a week after cash was secured from the scheme.
Money will also provide new electric buses to serve the route, which boast no tailpipe emissions and come with improved passenger features, including air-conditioning.
It is hoped the funding can be used to expand past Victoria Retail Park and connect the hundreds of new houses in the Rivendell estate.
Councillor Angela Kandola, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for transport said: “The bus support package is vital for protecting important routes and ensuring wider service coverage. We are using this funding to support key routes like the 49 and the 50 running regularly to help people access work, study and leisure.”
Other county routes now supported by the scheme include:
- The 49 which operates to Queens Drive Park-and-Ride and Boots Enterprise Zone – funding provides buses every 20 minutes.
- The NCT 3 route which now diverts into Silverdale and Wilford to mitigate the withdrawal of a CT4N 22 commercial service.
- The NCT 50 which has had newly-expanded hours running from Victoria Retail Park past the new housing developments on Daleside Road, Racecourse Park-and-Ride and the Island site.
- The NCT 70 to Bulwell – funding is being used to retain the current frequency.
- 1E to support children attending school in East Leake.
