Stoke-on-Trent City Council is backing Better Transport Week next month to encourage residents back onto buses. The annual campaign runs from June 15-21 and will highlight the major upgrades made to Stoke's bus network in recent years. The council is urging people who haven't used the service in years to give it another try.
The improvements to Stoke's transport system are substantial. Over 100 real-time information displays have been installed across town, while a mobile app now allows passengers to book services directly. The council has also upgraded over 200 bus stops with CCTV cameras and improved access for wheelchairs and prams at stations.
A key focus is the Smart tickets scheme, which allows passengers to travel on multiple bus operators using a single affordable ticket. The scheme removes the need for exact change and eliminates confusion between different providers. The council has extended the Smart tickets scheme until March 2029, and Councillor Finlay Gordon McCusker said the pace of change would surprise long-time non-users. "Whether you're travelling for work, education, health appointments or just meeting friends, a Smart ticket makes life simpler and cheaper," he said.
The council is also running evening, early morning and Sunday services to keep Stoke moving round the clock. These improvements are built on a £105 million transport settlement announced in March, showing the council's commitment to modernising the city's bus network.