A brand‑new multi‑operator travel app has blown past 12,000 downloads in under three months, proving that people will use public transport — as long as it doesn’t feel like you’re trying to decode ancient runes just to figure out which ticket to buy.

The Ride app basically takes every bus, tram, and operator in Notts and Derby and shoves them into one smooth, drama‑free place. Finally, you can plan a journey without having a full meltdown at the bus stop — you know, the same bus stop where the bus either comes 10 minutes early, 20 minutes late, or not at all because it “ghosted” you like a toxic ex.

This is the upgrade commuters have been manifesting: less chaos, fewer ticket headaches, and a lot more “main character on public transport” energy.

It’s now become the go-to platform for planning trips and buying bus and tram tickets as well as paying for Lime e-bike and Dott e-scooter journeys.  

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Reaching more than 12,000 downloads in just three months is a fantastic achievement and shows how ready people are for a more joined-up transport system. By working closely with Nottingham City and Derby City councils, we’ve delivered a solution that genuinely makes everyday travel easier.  

“This is just the start. As the app continues to grow, it will play an important role in shaping a cleaner, smarter and better connected East Midlands for the future.”  

Nottingham has one of the highest levels of bus usage outside London, ranking second in the country for passenger journeys per head, while Derby has been recognised as the best area for bus passenger satisfaction, with 92 per cent of users reporting a positive experience. Together, these cities represent major public transport hubs in the East Midlands. 

Ride can be downloaded from the Play Store for Android devices and App Store for iOS. To find out more, visit: https://rideeastmids.com/ .