Matthew as Mayor is the only candidate with extensive experience in transport planning. His priority would be to ‘get the East Midlands moving.’ He would immediately work with Communities on a new integrated transport plan and strategy and would use franchising powers for buses. Matthew will introduce free bus travel for those either in education or apprentices under the age of 25 and free off-peak travel for ex-members of the Armed Forces.
Councillor Relf said, “Identifiable Government spend, per person on transport infrastructure has been the lowest in the East Midlands for generations. The debacle of HS2 has only served to increase this. Whilst the Government has committed to giving the new Mayor a £1.5billion transport spend – it should have committed to this even if HS2 had proceeded. The East Midlands has suffered from decades of under investment that needs “levelling up” with this sort of level of investment.”
Matt will prioritise the expansion NET tram system and carry out a feasibility study into reintroducing the long mooted tram system in Derby to reach out in Derbyshire’s towns.