Nottingham City Transport

[tram21]

12 would be logical as it is most similar to the 11 at the City end. But is there another 12 in Newark (or anywhere in between).

But NCT might be wanting to reserve 12-14 in case they ever go back to Castle Boulevard, which used this number series previously. The graphic on their announcement says "Same Number - New Operator" so they probably want to keep it for continuity.

They'll definitely keep it for a bit as Central Connect and previously Marshalls have done well and grown the service, and its successful

 

[SSmith2009]

They'll definitely keep it for a bit as Central Connect and previously Marshalls have done well and grown the service, and its successful

Keeps familiarity for passengers too having the same number.

 

[Omnidekkalover]

Timetable changes coming for NCT on the 11th Jan 2026 some cuts on certain routes.

Timetable Changes from 11th January 2026

Timetable changes on 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 24, 26, 28, 30, 39, 45, 77, 79/A, 87, 88, 89, N26

www.nctx.co.uk

"Green 5​

Revised Monday to Friday late afternoon timetable, between approx. 17:00 and 19:00.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Green 6​

Revised Monday to Friday late afternoon timetable, between approx. 17:00 and 19:00.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Green 8, 9​

Revised Monday to Friday late afternoon timetable, between approx. 17:00 and 19:00.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Green 11​

Revised Monday to Saturday timetable, with the frequency between City and Lady Bay every 30 minutes. Buses to Water Sports Centre and Cropwell Bishop remain every hour.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Lilac 24​

Revised Monday to Friday late afternoon timetable, between approx. 14:00 and 17:30.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Pathfinder 26, N26​

Revised Monday to Saturday timetable after approx. 20:00 for buses towards Nottingham. The N26 will now operate on Saturday nights only, due to very low usage during the week.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Pink 28​

Revised Monday to Saturday daytime timetable. Basic frequencies remain unchanged. The timing point at Canning Circus for buses towards City is moved to the previous stop, Highurst Street.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Pink 30​

Revised Monday to Saturday daytime timetable, with the core 20 minute frequency extended later on Mondays to Fridays. Basic frequencies remain unchanged. The timing point at Canning Circus for buses towards City is moved to the previous stop, Highurst Street.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Blue 39​

Revised Monday to Saturday daytime timetable, with buses every 10-12 minutes.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Red 45​

Revised timetable on all days. Basic frequencies remain unchanged.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Turquoise 77​

Revised Monday to Friday daytime timetable, with buses running every 7-12 minutes.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Turquoise 79/A​

Revised Monday to Friday morning timetable between approx.. 07:45 and 09:30 for buses towards City.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Purple 87​

Revised Saturday timetable, with buses running every 30 minutes during the daytime.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Purple 88​

Revised Saturday timetable, with buses running every 30 minutes during the daytime.

Preview new timetable here>>>

Purple 89​

Revised Saturday daytime timetable. Basic frequencies remain unchanged.

Preview new timetable here>>>"



Basic overview

 

[kevjs]

Green 11 cut again, that's gone from.every 10 to 12 to 20 and now every 30 minutes.

Once the waterside bridge opens it will be quicker to walk to the city centre than wait for the next bus.

The 90 being under NCT at least gives another option - NCT expanding out to traditional Trent Barton territory to the rural hinterland...

 

[MEC]

Green 11 cut again, that's gone from.every 10 to 12 to 20 and now every 30 minutes.

Once the waterside bridge opens it will be quicker to walk to the city centre than wait for the next bus.

The 90 being under NCT at least gives another option - NCT expanding out to traditional Trent Barton territory to the rural hinterland...

There must be a reason,nct don't really do stuff for the sake of it.id presume low numbers

 

[liamf656]

There must be a reason,nct don't really do stuff for the sake of it.id presume low numbers

From what I read recently NCT's profits have been much lower than expected over the past couple of years and of course no company wants that continue into loss-making so these cuts were inevitable in my opinion. They've raised concerns with the exit strategy to the bus fare cap

With regards to the 90 it looks to me like they're testing the waters before establishing it, so maybe that's why they're keeping the familiar route number

 

[Trainman40083]

From what I read recently NCT's profits have been much lower than expected over the past couple of years and of course no company wants that continue into loss-making so these cuts were inevitable in my opinion. They've raised concerns with the exit strategy to the bus fare cap

With regards to the 90 it looks to me like they're testing the waters before establishing it, so maybe that's why they're keeping the familiar route number

I'd say your first paragraph sums the situation up nicely, for many operators. You have to address loss making before it is too late. Is there an exit strategy to the bus cap, or do the Government keep kicking it into the long grass.

 

[liamf656]

I'd say your first paragraph sums the situation up nicely, for many operators. You have to address loss making before it is too late. Is there an exit strategy to the bus cap, or do the Government keep kicking it into the long grass.

Imagine what the fares would be like as soon as the cap finishes, with inflation in mind

 

[Trainman40083]

Imagine what the fares would be like as soon as the cap finishes, with inflation in mind

Well, where I live, it would be £3.20 into the City. So say £3.60 by April 2027. Buses haven't exactly got many fare paying passengers on now (well ones who have alternatives)... Taxis doing well though, especially if a journey involves more than one bus.

 

[MEC]

Imagine what the fares would be like as soon as the cap finishes, with inflation in mind

Remember we have EMCCA and I imagine they'll be keen to place in their own fare cap.with Nottingham having a population of 40% no access to a car and many more preferring to use the bus we could well see bus patronage go up even further if emcca place in a cap

 

[edwin_m]

From what I read recently NCT's profits have been much lower than expected over the past couple of years and of course no company wants that continue into loss-making so these cuts were inevitable in my opinion. They've raised concerns with the exit strategy to the bus fare cap

I imagine their foray into biogas has cost them dearly too, since the price of biogas will track the price of other natural gas which went way up after Ukraine.

 

[Pe251lz]

With regards to the 90 it looks to me like they're testing the waters before establishing it, so maybe that's why they're keeping the familiar route number

Believe it or not, it was NCT who renumbered the route's in the 1990's after purchasing Pathfinder ltd.
91 via A46 & 101 via Southwell (lilac26).
Each corridor had various routes. 91,92,93.... 100,101,102,103....
NCT renumbered after splitting the cross city West Bridgeford Arnold 90, so they tidied up ages ago.
It’s good to see the return of NCT, even better to see them using the Pathfinder name again for the route.

 

[andyb87]

Believe it or not, it was NCT who renumbered the route's in the 1990's after purchasing Pathfinder ltd.
91 via A46 & 101 via Southwell (lilac26).
Each corridor had various routes. 91,92,93.... 100,101,102,103....
NCT renumbered after splitting the cross city West Bridgeford Arnold 90, so they tidied up ages ago.
It’s good to see the return of NCT, even better to see them using the Pathfinder name again for the route.

The only real negative is that, as I understand it, NCT will be using the few remaining, (and thus well used), Solos on the route replacing relatively new E200s. I suspect this means a reduction in passenger ambience which might not be a good thing if they want to increase usage.

 

[tram21]

The only real negative is that, as I understand it, NCT will be using the few remaining, (and thus well used), Solos on the route replacing relatively new E200s. I suspect this means a reduction in passenger ambience which might not be a good thing if they want to increase usage.

I honestly don't think passengers really care that much! People would much rather a bus that will definitely turn up than a super comfortable one!

And an Enviro200MMC isn't exactly top customer comfort, personally I prefer a Solo SR.

 

[Trainman40083]

I honestly don't think passengers really care that much! People would much rather a bus that will definitely turn up than a super comfortable one!

And an Enviro200MMC isn't exactly top customer comfort, personally I prefer a Solo SR.

I share your view. Turn up when expected (even if late). Get to destination.

 

[TR673]

The only real negative is that, as I understand it, NCT will be using the few remaining, (and thus well used), Solos on the route replacing relatively new E200s. I suspect this means a reduction in passenger ambience which might not be a good thing if they want to increase usage.

The NCT Solos have the benefit of being quite well specified, both in the interiors and mechanically. Despite being midibuses they come packed with 6.7l engines, which in an E200 MMC is only available in the longest option. Aside from the lack of USB charging they'll probably be more like an upgrade, in spite their age.

 

[mainframe444]

Nottingham City Transport have today acknowledged the completed entry to service of the 62 Yutong single deckers, making the entire sd fleet electric, apart from the four solos retained for the upcoming 90 (Nottingham-Newark) from February.

They have also announced the purchase of 13 Yutong U11DD electric double decks for late 2026.

M

Nottingham City Transport Completes Rollout of 62 Electric Single Deck Buses and Orders First Electric Double Decks

NCT has completed the rollout of all 62 electric single deck buses, marking a major milestone in the transition to a zero-emission fleet.

www.nctx.co.uk

“Nottingham City Transport has completed the rollout of all 62 electric single deck buses, marking a major milestone in the company’s transition to a zero-emission fleet. With the recent delivery of the final 14 buses, NCT’s entire city single deck fleet is now fully electric. Grey Line 53 and 54 routes now mark the completion of this full conversion, serving Arnold, City Hospital, Ring Road, QMC, and Clifton, and achieving the electrification of the single deck fleet in just 18 months.

The project has been delivered with support from Nottingham City Council, who helped NCT secure funding from the Department for Transport’s Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) Fund. £12.3 million of the cost is being supported by ZEBRA, with the remaining £17.7 million invested by NCT.

The vehicles, manufactured by Yutong and finished to NCT’s specification by Yorkshire based Pelican Engineering continue to demonstrate strong reliability and efficiency in daily service.

Since entering operation, NCT’s electric single deck fleet has already travelled over 3.6 million kilometres across Nottingham — the equivalent of making nine trips to the moon, or almost 90 times around the Earth. The buses have also regenerated more than 2.1 million kWh of energy, significantly reducing overall energy consumption.

With the single deck rollout now complete, NCT has placed its first order for electric double decks and The East Midlands Combined County Authority is supporting the introduction of 19 electric double deck buses at NCT with £4.5m funding.

Following a rigorous assessment and trial of several double deckers, NCT has ordered 13 Yutong electric double deck buses, which will enter service in late 2026, marking the start of the electrification of the double deck fleet. NCT will be one of the first UK operators to introduce the very latest U11DD model, which boasts higher capacity batteries that are ideal for city networks throughout their lifetime.

David Astill, NCT Managing Director said, “The roll-out of our 62 electric single deck buses marks a major milestone for NCT as we transition to a zero-emission fleet. I am grateful to all the team here at NCT for completing the project on time and on budget. Thanks are also due to our key stakeholders Pelican and Yutong, who have provided world-class electric buses and to Zenobe, who have been of huge assistance in providing and installing the charging infrastructure at our Trent Bridge garage. External funding has been key to the business case, and we are indebted to Nottingham City Council for securing the funding from central government to enable our electric bus project to proceed. Our attention will now turn to the double-deck fleet and I am pleased to confirm that we have placed an initial order for thirteen electric double-decks which will be delivered in the Autumn of next year”

Ian Downie, Head of Yutong UK at Pelican Bus and Coach said, “The performance of our single decks has demonstrated our vehicles are at the vanguard of reliable and efficient zero emission buses, with fantastic feedback from passengers and drivers. It is a testament to the service we provide that NCT have honoured Pelican with an additional 13 electric double decks. The NCT team have been instrumental in designing the revised UK double decker and we are really looking forward to NCT being the first operator of the full height vehicle in the UK”

Councillor Linda Woodings, Executive Member for Regional Development, Growth and Transport at Nottingham City Council, said: “Nottingham City Council is proud to be part of the partnership bringing more electric buses to the city – with all 62 now out in our city which is an incredible achievement that will have a real impact on local air quality and our CN28 goals, not to mention that we know local people love how smart and comfortable they are. The impressive electrification of NCTs Trent Bridge garage will help pave the way for even more electric buses in the future as Nottingham City Transport continue to lead the way.”

The completion of a fully electric single deck fleet, alongside plans for the first electric double deck buses, demonstrates NCT’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, low-emission transport for Nottingham. These buses not only reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality, but also provide a quiet, comfortable and modern travel experience for passengers across the city. With the electric single deck bus project delivered, 3,800 tonnes of CO2e will be saved each and every year. Over the lifetime of the buses, they will also make a significant contribution to wider efforts to improve air quality, with an estimated 31 tonnes of harmful NOx and 777kg of PM2.5 removed from the atmosphere.”

 

[callum3490]

It will be interesting to see which routes get electric double decks first; interesting considering not too far back NCT were saying that there wasn’t an electric double deck suitable for their requirements

 

[tramboy]

Following a rigorous assessment and trial of several double deckers, NCT has ordered 13 Yutong electric double deck buses, which will enter service in late 2026, marking the start of the electrification of the double deck fleet. NCT will be one of the first UK operators to introduce the very latest U11DD model, which boasts higher capacity batteries that are ideal for city networks throughout their lifetime.

It is a testament to the service we provide that NCT have honoured Pelican with an additional 13 electric double decks. The NCT team have been instrumental in designing the revised UK double decker and we are really looking forward to NCT being the first operator of the full height vehicle in the UK”

I think the answer is in the press release - NCT have been involved in the revisions made to the Yutong double deck that has been released this year, and so have found a product suitable for their requirements.

 

[Pe251lz]

Reading the news article on the Nctx website…. It was like a déjà vu moment!
NCT handing over the Pathfinder Fosseway flyer 90 to Marshalls, around 15 years ago. Full circle, what comes around goes around. Closing the Newark outstation probably caused operational costs and deemed unviable, so I wish them every success retuning back to the old territory.

 

[callum3490]

Interesting that the 90 has a PVR of 4 buses; with only 4 solos remaining specifically for the route it’ll be interesting to see what spares are put onto it when a solo is off

 

[edwin_m]

Interesting that the 90 has a PVR of 4 buses; with only 4 solos remaining specifically for the route it’ll be interesting to see what spares are put onto it when a solo is off

They seem reluctant to go for EVs on their out-of-city routes - presumably a vehicle going further and faster is considered to have a shorter range than one spending the same hours on an urban route. So I guess one of the diesel deckers would turn up as a spare, and they've just ordered new ones for the 26 and will probably do so for the 1 in due course.

 

[tramboy]

Interesting that the 90 has a PVR of 4 buses; with only 4 solos remaining specifically for the route it’ll be interesting to see what spares are put onto it when a solo is off

It has a PVR of 3 (workings on bustimes using the &detailed feature). NCT would appear to be using a 4th bus at the moment to try and mitigate any delays on the service due to the major roadworks on the A52 at Holme House.

When those are finished, then there will be a spare Solo for when one is in for servicing. I imagine on occasion one is off a double deck or EV might appear for a run or two in the meantime.

 

[Trainman40083]

It has a PVR of 3 (workings on bustimes using the &detailed feature). NCT would appear to be using a 4th bus at the moment to try and mitigate any delays on the service due to the major roadworks on the A52 at Holme House.

When those are finished, then there will be a spare Solo for when one is in for servicing. I imagine on occasion one is off a double deck or EV might appear for a run or two in the meantime.

There was also a suggestion that double deckers were used, because they expected more passengers going to the Nottingham Forest match.

 

[SSmith2009]

There was also a suggestion that double deckers were used, because they expected more passengers going to the Nottingham Forest match.

Yes they did state this on a facebook post that double deckers will be used on some journeys when Forest have home games.

 

[edwin_m]

Yes they did state this on a facebook post that double deckers will be used on some journeys when Forest have home games.

I wish they'd do that on the other Trent Bridge routes too! I asked them why they couldn't run in service the empty buses that go to Trent Bridge at about the time people are heading for an evening fixture, but they said it wasn't possible due to crew rostering reasons. I'm not sure I buy this, considering the buses tend to be all over the place on those days so crews will be into excess hours anyway.

 

[Trainman40083]

I wish they'd do that on the other Trent Bridge routes too! I asked them why they couldn't run in service the empty buses that go to Trent Bridge at about the time people are heading for an evening fixture, but they said it wasn't possible due to crew rostering reasons. I'm not sure I buy this, considering the buses tend to be all over the place on those days so crews will be into excess hours anyway.

I guess most of the empty NCT buses at that time, go to Parliament Street depot, rather than Trent Bridge.

 

[Dwarfer1979]

They seem reluctant to go for EVs on their out-of-city routes - presumably a vehicle going further and faster is considered to have a shorter range than one spending the same hours on an urban route. So I guess one of the diesel deckers would turn up as a spare, and they've just ordered new ones for the 26 and will probably do so for the 1 in due course.

At a basic level a bus travelling faster will cover more distance in the same time. One of our city workings will, in a 14-hour period, not even reach a daily mileage of 200km whilst a country/interurban working over the same period is covering 300-450 kms (depending on the road speed & the 90 has some pretty quick sections) so non-urban buses do cover more mileage. All vehicles have a finite range for the power aboard (whether internal combustion or battery electric) and interurban buses have always needed higher ranges (I have known of diesel buses with restricted allocations as the fuel tank was took small to manage a full day on a long working). On top of that electric buses tend to be more efficient at lower speeds so the vehicle range will be lower if the average speed is higher which closes that margin even more.

 

[edwin_m]

I guess most of the empty NCT buses at that time, go to Parliament Street depot, rather than Trent Bridge.

I've seen three or four empties go by while waiting at the station to get on one that actually has space.

At a basic level a bus travelling faster will cover more distance in the same time. One of our city workings will, in a 14-hour period, not even reach a daily mileage of 200km whilst a country/interurban working over the same period is covering 300-450 kms (depending on the road speed & the 90 has some pretty quick sections) so non-urban buses do cover more mileage. All vehicles have a finite range for the power aboard (whether internal combustion or battery electric) and interurban buses have always needed higher ranges (I have known of diesel buses with restricted allocations as the fuel tank was took small to manage a full day on a long working). On top of that electric buses tend to be more efficient at lower speeds so the vehicle range will be lower if the average speed is higher which closes that margin even more.

That makes sense.

 

[Deerfold]

That makes sense.

It would if routes like Transdev's 36 Ripon to Leeds weren't twice as long as anything NCT regularly runs double deckers on. - a typical well-specified double decker does 10 trips a day - a little over 450km .