Millions of pounds is to be spent on transforming bus services in Medway over the next three years, the government has announced.

More than £15.4 million has been allocated to Medway Council to improve both the bus services themselves, as well as network infrastructure.

The funding, to be rolled out until 2029, would help deliver faster, cheaper and more reliable public transport.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the money could be used to reduce fares, introduce new routes, invest in zero-emission buses and improve bus stops and passenger safety.

It added giving councils funding commitments over a three-year period, rather than running on a year-by-year basis, would help them create longer-term plans.

Medway’s funding boost has been welcomed by councillors after years of unreliable services and ageing infrastructure.

Cllr Simon Curry, portfolio holder for climate change and strategic regeneration, said: “This funding is great news, and we welcome such a significant investment in Medway’s bus network.

“Improving public transport is vital to support sustainable travel, reduce congestion, and to help residents access jobs, education, and services.

“It will also help maintain services including additional evening and Sunday services.

“We will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that our Local Authority Bus Grant allocations deliver the greatest benefit for our communities.”

Passenger numbers in Medway continue to recover since Covid, rising from just under 3 million journeys during the pandemic to 7.8 million in 2024/25.

In a bid to create a “fully integrated public transport network” by 2035, Medway Council has published a Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) setting out ways it will upgrade bus travel.

Recent works include 24 bus stop replacements, new bus lane cameras, and safety improvements at Chatham Waterfront Bus Station.

The council also runs free bus travel weekends throughout the year, which saw passenger numbers rise by 32% last June.

Medway’s latest government funding, part of a £3 billion boost across the UK, is made up of £10,119,161 in capital funding and £5,305,062 in revenue funding.

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