Nottingham’s tram network recorded reliability and punctuality levels above 92 per cent during a turbulent six-month period marked by serious road traffic collisions, extreme weather and staffing pressures, according to a new performance report to be presented to councillors next week.
An operational update from Nottingham Express Transit covering the period from June to November 2025 shows the system achieved reliability of 93.77 per cent and punctuality of 92.75 per cent, despite what operators described as an “unprecedented” number of collisions involving trams and other road users.
The update will be presented to the Greater Nottingham Light Rapid Transit Advisory Committee, which brings together Nottingham City Council and regional partners to oversee the strategic performance of the NET system, now in its 21st year of operation.
Between April and June 2025, multiple road traffic collisions resulted in several trams being taken out of service for extended repairs, placing strain on fleet availability. In response, operators introduced an emergency reduced timetable in July to stabilise the service and protect reliability for passengers.
A full timetable was reinstated in August following the return of three repaired trams, including Tram 232, which had been out of service for nearly two years after a serious derailment at Bulwell in June 2023. That incident, one of the most significant in the network’s history, triggered extensive investigations and a lengthy rebuild of the vehicle at specialist facilities in Derby.
The summer period also tested the network with sustained high temperatures. NET reported that a targeted air-conditioning maintenance programme significantly improved on-board reliability, with very few service-affecting defects recorded during hot weather. The approach was credited with preventing the kinds of widespread failures seen on parts of the network during previous heatwaves.
Major city events again placed heavy demand on the tram system, most notably Goose Fair, which remains one of the largest annual passenger generators for NET. Although wet weather reduced attendance on some days, overall tram usage during Goose Fair increased year-on-year. An amended timetable, improved lighting and upgraded staff welfare facilities were cited as key factors in delivering a safe and resilient operation.
Building on the success of the Goose Fair service pattern, NET has continued to trial enhanced late-evening tram services. The revised timetable reduces traditional peak-hour frequencies but provides more trams later into the evening, reflecting changes in travel behaviour since the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting Nottingham’s expanding night-time economy. A business case has now been submitted to Nottingham City Council seeking approval to make the changes permanent, with early passenger feedback described as very positive.
Operational resilience was challenged later in the reporting period by driver availability issues, driven by sickness absence, short-notice departures following dismissals and resulting roster imbalances. Seasonal flu was highlighted as a major factor. Ten new drivers are currently in training, with availability expected to improve from December and into early 2026.
Safety enhancements also featured prominently in the report. In October, a tram overspeed protection system became fully operational across the network. The technology automatically brings a tram to a stop if excessive speed is detected. After initial technical issues were resolved, the system is now operating as intended, with drivers adapting well to the change.
The period also saw a senior leadership transition, with NET’s Head of Operations and Safety, Trevor Stocker, leaving the organisation in October. His successor, Andy Downie, is due to join in January 2026, bringing experience from the heavy rail sector, particularly in driver management and safety governance.
The report details a long list of significant operational incidents during the six-month period, including derailments, power failures linked to National Grid outages, police incidents affecting service continuity, infrastructure defects requiring emergency speed restrictions, and non-tram road traffic collisions that nevertheless forced temporary suspensions due to their proximity to the tracks.
Alongside operational performance, the update highlights an intensified “zero tolerance” approach to fare evasion and anti-social behaviour. Revenue protection operations are now fully embedded and delivered in partnership with Nottinghamshire Police, with a full-time police officer permanently based in the NET control room.
NET reported ongoing challenges with anti-social behaviour across the network, including verbal abuse, occasional physical assaults on staff and criminal damage to infrastructure.
High-definition CCTV footage continues to play a key role in identifying offenders, while joint operations with police, schools and community partners target problem areas.
A central pillar of this approach is Operation SafeNET, which has led to multiple arrests linked to vandalism and assaults on staff at locations including Bulwell Forest, Highbury Vale and Cinderhill. More recent work has focused on strengthening multi-agency responses and increasing uniformed visibility on the network.
The report also confirms that a large-scale multi-agency deployment, Operation Silent Night, took place in December involving Nottinghamshire Police, British Transport Police, Nottingham City Council and NET, aimed at safeguarding passengers during the seasonal increase in night-time economy activity.
Beyond operations and enforcement, the update outlines a wide-ranging programme of community engagement during 2025, including charity fundraising, food bank support, recycling and surplus stock donations, and staff-led events such as Walk the Network and the Three Peaks Challenge. NET’s chosen charity of the year, Our Dementia Choir, benefited from extensive staff involvement and fundraising activity.
