Derby City Council has cancelled its £11.5 million electric rapid transit (eRT) project, citing post-pandemic economic challenges. The scheme, announced in 2020, aimed to introduce 12-metre electric buses to improve city centre connectivity, but was deemed financially unviable.
The project was initially part of a £161 million government-backed transport improvement package for Derby and Nottingham. Nearly £500,000 had been spent before its cancellation, with £11 million reallocated to other local transport initiatives with Department for Transport approval. Plans for new Park and Ride buses were also scrapped, freeing up an additional £6.4 million, which has been redirected to cycle routes and public realm improvements.
Council officials noted that while the eRT project had potential benefits, it would have required long-term revenue support, which was unavailable.
