Tram workers and representatives of Nottingham Express Transit (NET), the company responsible for Nottinghamshire’s tram network, met with the county’s MPs in Parliament this month to make the case for tram extension.
MPs from Nottingham city, as well as the county seats of Gedling, Broxtowe, Rushcliffe and Sherwood, all met with tram workers’ to hear the economic and social case for extending the network beyond it’s existing two lines.
The meeting comes after unions called for an extended tram network to form a core part of the East Midland Combined Authority’s new Local Transport Plan for the region.
Colin Whyatt, GMB Union Organiser, said:
“Nottinghamshire’s MPs understand the huge social and economic benefit that the tram extension will bring.
“Millions of working people rely on the network every single year to get in and around our county.
“Not only that, but the investment in infrastructure, rolling stock and the wider supply chain could secure thousands of jobs across the East Midlands.
“Now is the time for decision makers to come together and work out a path to see spades in the ground this decade”.
James Naish MP representing Rushcliffe said:
‘As I have said in writing to the Mayor of the East Midlands, the ambition for new transport infrastructure in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire has been too low for too long.
‘The commitment to examine options for tram network expansion demonstrates forward-thinking leadership, so I welcome the strategic approach being taken by the East Midlands Combined County Authority in initiating a feasibility review as discussed in parliament.
‘From a Rushcliffe perspective, a tram extension has the potential to complement the Mayor’s vision for the Trent Sports Quarter through increased connectivity from a Rushcliffe tram extension to the area’s sporting and cultural assets.
‘Tram links that better serve Rushcliffe and the wider Greater Nottingham area could support matchday travel, local jobs and inclusive access to sporting and cultural events, so I look forward to working with the Mayor and local Councillors as EMCCA’s thinking evolves.’
