Urban Transport Next: Keeping the East Midlands moving

Claire Ward was elected Mayor of the East Midlands in May 2024.

Her vision is for a transport system that’s safe and simple to use, that works for everyone.

This vision is underpinned by six priorities: creating the East Midlands’ first long-term vision for buses, roads, rail, cycling and walking; an ambitious investment programme to upgrade roads, stations, and link-up communities; using new powers to make buses more frequent, more reliable, and easier to use; a commitment to making travel affordable, accessible and safe; shifting to low-carbon travel; and, using data and technology to make public transport the easy choice.

Join the Mayor for a special conversation where she’ll discuss her vision for transport across the East Midlands.

Urban Transport Next is supported by AtkinsRéalis.

About Claire Ward

Claire Ward represents 2.2 million people across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire; having been elected the first ever Mayor of the East Midlands in 2024. The East Midlands Combined County Authority, which she leads, was also established at this time.

A regional Mayor holds responsibility for transport, skills and adult education, housing and land, net-zero and economic development. Some of these powers are still in the process of being devolved.

Claire had a long career working in business and healthcare sectors before becoming the Mayor of the East Midlands. Most recently she was the Chair of Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust. From 1997 to 2010, Mayor Claire was an MP and served as the Justice Minister under both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

She moved to North Nottinghamshire 15 years ago and raised her family here.

About UTG

The Urban Transport Group is the UK’s network of transport authorities.

Our vision is for city-regions, their towns and surrounding areas to be green, fair, healthy and prosperous places, with public transport and active travel options that provide access and opportunity for all.

Find out more about the Urban Transport Group: urbantransportgroup.org

If you would like to find out more about upcoming Urban Transport Next conversations, please follow our Eventbrite page, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on X or LinkedIn.