We know that bus services are incredibly important to Stoke-on-Trent residents, and that even before Covid-19, public transport in the city was in decline. However, it’s still a major issue on the doorstep, and one we are keen to address. In recent years, we’ve secured funding through the Transforming Cities Fund to make some improvements to reflect how movements around the city have changed - and now through the government’s Bus Back Better scheme, we are looking to secure funding to take the next step.

Our plan - of which you can read details here in the Sentinel and the Our Staffordshire blog - includes completing some major road improvements and then giving priority to bus services. It also involves funding to restore lost services, simplify fares, and create a city wide brand, regardless of provider.