Mayor to review bus fares as she takes over transport role

TRANSFER OF POWERS FROM COUNCILS ON TRACK TO BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY

- By JOSEPH CONNOLLY Local democracy reporter

EAST Midlands Mayor Claire Ward's first job after taking over authority for public transport in the region will be reviewing fares and concessions.

The East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCCA) is taking over public transport responsibility from all four of its constituent councils - Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire - early next year.

Legally, the transfer of powers has to be completed by April, but is on track to be completed by the end of January.

But while prices might change in the future, in the short-term, fares and concessions will remain exactly the same as they are in all four areas.

This is because the timing of the transition of powers, staff and budgets, which will happen on January 31, is too close to the legal deadline of April 1 for the sort of detailed technical work and consultation to be done which would be required before any changes are made.