Nottingham City Transport officially rolled out its big network overhaul of services in Gedling borough (21) — and for thousands of bus users, the timetable you thought you knew may look very different.
NCT says every route has been put under the microscope, with the shake‑up aimed at keeping services financially afloat as passenger numbers continue to lag behind pre‑pandemic levels. The operator reports around 1 in 10 fewer riders each year, blaming hybrid working, online shopping and years of disruptive roadworks for the slump. A 50% rise in the national Bus Fare Cap in early 2025 hasn’t helped either, with NCT’s own passenger numbers dipping 3.77% in the last year.
On top of that, the cost of running the network is climbing — from insurance and tax to bus parts and wages — even though NCT locked in fuel and energy prices before global spikes hit.
Head of Operations David Conway said the new timetable reflects “in‑depth analysis of passenger travel patterns”, adding that some quieter routes simply couldn’t be justified anymore. “Whilst there are reductions in some areas, we’ve been able to improve frequencies and connections where buses remain popular,” he said.
What’s staying the same?
If you use one of the main daytime routes, your service level should look pretty familiar — though times may have shifted.
What’s changing?
Expect fewer buses on Saturday mornings before 9am and in the evenings across the week, as NCT trims quieter periods to protect busy daytime services. Parts of several routes — including Lilac 24 — have been replaced or rerouted.
Some day ticket prices have increased for the first time in 15 months. City Zone day tickets will increase by 20p for Adults and Under 19s to £5.70 and £3.70 respectively. A Grouprider will be £10 and a Network Grouprider will be £15. The all day ticket for Dogs will increase to £1.50.
But it’s not all cuts. Some areas are actually getting a boost:
- New Red 45 links connecting Carlton, Gedling, Colwick Industrial Estate and Daleside Road Retail Parks
- A tidier, more frequent setup for Top Valley and Rise Park
The full changes to Gedling borough services are reported HERE
