Nottingham’s tram operator, Nottingham Express Transit (NET), is facing mounting challenges with reliability and service continuity as a new report reveals a turbulent six-month period marred by collisions, tram shortages, and infrastructure concerns.
The update, which will be presented to the Greater Nottingham Light Rail Transit Advisory Committee on 15 July 2025, covers operational performance from December 2024 through May 2025. It paints a picture of a network under pressure, balancing technical setbacks with ongoing community and safety initiatives.
According to the report, NET achieved 95% reliability and 93.6% punctuality over the six-month period. While generally positive, these figures remain below NET’s usual targets, impacted by a spate of serious incidents.
December 2024 saw the introduction of a dedicated Festive Timetable, aimed at boosting evening services and supporting the city’s night-time economy. The success of this trial is under review.
Despite harsh winter conditions, winterisation measures were largely successful in minimising weather-related disruption. Ice breakers, enhanced servicing, and weather monitoring helped keep trams running through the coldest months.
NET was severely affected by four serious road traffic collisions, all involving cars failing to obey traffic signals at tram crossings. These resulted in injuries to tram drivers and passengers, significant damage to vehicles, and multiple tram derailments.
Notable incidents include:
7 January: Tram 225 was struck and derailed at University Boulevard.
16 February: Tram 207 was severely damaged at Talbot Street by a car being pursued by police.
April: Tram 229 was derailed at Ruddington Lane after a high-speed collision.
May: Tram 215 struck a pedestrian at Weekday Cross.
Trams involved in these incidents remain out of service, contributing to an availability crisis.
NET requires 32 of its 37 trams to run a full timetable, but numerous vehicles are now out of operation due to collision damage or mechanical issues. Among the worst-affected:
Tram 232 remains under repair in Derby following a derailment at Bulwell.
Tram 229 and Tram 207 await specialist repairs, both involved in serious collisions and derailments.
These constraints have caused daily service disruptions, compounded by maintenance backlogs and acts of vandalism.
In response to growing safety concerns, NET is rolling out driver vigilance systems across its older Incentro trams, having already equipped the newer Citadis fleet. These systems are designed to automatically stop trams if a driver becomes incapacitated or distracted.
NET has also concluded eco-driving training on the northern network. This initiative encourages energy-efficient driving without affecting journey times and will soon be rolled out to Toton and Clifton lines.
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In January 2025, an unexpected defect on a key section of track between Old Market Square and Nottingham Station forced partial service suspension. Temporary welds and daily inspections kept services running with reduced speeds until full repairs were completed in mid-April.
Additionally, in-service faults, though improving, continued into April with breakdowns at Moor Bridge and Royal Centre, requiring site recovery and causing customer delays.
NET has strengthened its Zero Tolerance fare evasion strategy with support from Nottinghamshire Police. The December relaunch of a public campaign, paired with daily enforcement operations, has contributed to a decline in evasion rates.
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) remains a persistent issue, with frontline staff facing verbal abuse and occasional criminal damage. NET collaborates monthly with local authorities at the transport hub to address these problems and has initiated joint operations with schools in high-incident areas.
NET’s commitment to community engagement continued through:
A festive partnership with Central Women’s Aid, featuring a “Santa Tram” event.
The appointment of Our Dementia Choir as Charity of the Year for 2025–26.
Support for local groups like Aspley Food Bank, Clifton Youth Club, and Radford FC.
Educational outreach, including Try-a-Tram days for SEN schools and adult services.
