This month Nottingham played host to more than 300 delegates from across the UK light rail industry for the 20th annual Mainspring UK Light Rail Conference.
The event, which was sponsored by Nottingham Express Transit (NET), took place at Nottingham Trent University and marked its first return to the city in ten years.
This year’s theme celebrated two decades of innovation across the industry, with reflections on how far the industry has come, and a look ahead to the future of UK light rail.
Councillor Angela Kandola, Chair of the Greater Nottingham Light Rapid Transit Advisory Committee, officially opened the event, with a rousing speech highlighting the integral part Nottingham’s trams play in connecting the city and the communities that call it home.
She says: “My partnership with Nottingham Express Transit began in 2023 when I was appointed the Portfolio Holder for Highways, Transport and Planning at Nottingham City Council. From that point, the relationship has gone from strength to strength. Nottingham’s tram network first opened in 2004, and since then has developed into a modern and efficient network, spanning more than 32 kilometres. It plays an essential role in connecting people to the places that matter most. In fact, Nottingham is the only city in the UK where a major hospital is served directly by the trams – a clear example of how transport enhances access to vital services.
“Each tram can carry up to 170 passengers, the equivalent of nearly three buses and this helps reduce congestion, supports cleaner air and contributes to our wider environmental goals. Importantly, the network is powered by renewable electricity, reinforcing Nottingham's commitment to sustainability.
“Many of the delegates that attended the Light Rail Conference will be all too familiar with the challenges and opportunities facing our towns and cities across the UK. However, Nottingham Express Transit demonstrates what can be achieved through investment, innovation and a commitment to sustainability, safety and inclusion. It was an honour to open this year’s Light Rail Conference and to showcase just how Nottingham is setting the bar for others across the country.”
The NET team also played a pivotal role in the event. Tim Hesketh, chief executive officer of Tramlink which operates the network, shared insights into the network’s journey since its launch in 2004, as well as the vital work he has spearheaded to secure the future of the city’s trams for years to come.
He said: “There are seven light rail projects or light rail systems in the UK, but the Nottingham tram network is the only one which is funded under the PFI financial system, which presents unique challenges to us, our shareholders and the project as a whole. However, one of the unfortunate things about PFI projects is that they run a very strict regime, requiring us to run around a thousand trips a day. Each trip in and out of the city is measured as a single trip, and we’re not allowed to change that – it doesn’t matter how many people we have on the tram, we still have to run those trips.
“That meant that during COVID, we still had to run a full service, with or without passengers, and as a result our fare revenue fell through the floor. And, even though there was some recovery in 2023, passenger numbers following COVID were slow to recover. This, coupled with rising energy bills meant we were in a position where our revenues were substantially down and costs to run the network were at an all-time high.
“However, to ensure we could secure the future of the network and put it in a more stable financial position, in 2023, we completed a successful financial restructuring project following a negotiation of loan terms from lenders. Like many other public transport operators, we’re all still feeling the effects of COVID on revenue and passenger numbers, but by sharing our experiences as an operator, we hope to encourage others in the light rail industry.”
So what does the future look like now for Nottingham trams? Tim and team are not resting on their laurels and since the restructure in 2023, have been working hard to ensure the network remains something the city can be proud of.
Tim added: “Although forecasts look strong for the coming years, we know we cannot expect passengers to pay for travel if we’re not running a good service. That’s something we’re committed to ensuring wholeheartedly. As such we continue to work to ensure there are no avoidable delays or cancellations while striving to get the balance right on fares in the midst of no support from central government, unlike buses.
“In addition, the network is still facing the challenges that come with maintaining a fleet of trams - some of which date back to 20 plus years ago - as well as the ongoing challenges of tram damage following road traffic collisions, with some trams taking up to two years to return to service following repair. We’re also looking at ways we can introducing new timetables that better serve our communities.
“The Nottingham tram network has come a long way in 22 years, and it was brilliant to be able to share our journey so far with delegates at this year’s Light Rail Conference. However, we know there’s still work to be done. We remain committed to doing all we can to ensure the security of the network and that we can continue running a safe and reliable network for the people of Nottingham.”
To find out more about Nottingham Express Transit, visit https://www.thetram.net/