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Q: Why do we want a tram network in Nottingham? A: As a successful and economically vibrant City, Nottingham needs an integrated transport system which will allow increased access to the City Centre without adding to the number of cars on the roads and the congestion and pollution they create. Q: Who is paying for Line One? A: The Arrow Consortium, appointed as the developers of NET Line One, will take the financial risk by initially stumping up £180 million. This will be paid back by the Government over 27 years once the tram is seen to be running successfully. The project also receives funding from the European Community. Q: What is the route of the tram? A: The first tram services will run from Hucknall to Nottingham train station in the City Centre, passing through Bulwell and Hyson Green, and including a spur to a Park and Ride at Cinderhill, just off junction 26 of the M1. This route is intended to be the first part of a network across the City. Q: What does the work involve? A: All existing services such as water mains, drains, gas mains, phone and other cables are to be removed so that construction can start. This obviously involves some disruption to services but these will be kept as short as possible and residents will receive ample advance notice. Excavation of the route and the laying of tracks means the closure of stretches of road and the diversion of road traffic. Some residents experiencing access and car parking problems are being given help. The final phase of work - the erection of electric cables and support poles, installation of stops and Park and Ride interchanges - will mean disruption continues and some pavements will be taken out of use temporarily. Arrangements will be made, including providing temporary walkways to ensure the safety of pedestrians, while residents whose homes or businesses are directly affected will be contacted personally. Q: Is the construction work going to disturb residents in the affected areas? A: A strict Code of Practice is being adhered to during construction. This lays down methods of controlling noise, vibration, dust and fumes, and on restricting hours of working in residential areas. Methods of safely treating and disposing of waste products are also laid down and are being strictly adhered to. Q: Will access to people's houses or businesses be blocked off during construction? A: It is a requirement that essential access to properties along the route will be maintained at all times during the construction process. The tram hotline can be contacted if any difficulties arise. Q: What will happen to bus services during construction? A: Bus services are to be maintained as fully as possible during construction. Some alterations and additional services will be necessary. Some journey times may be longer. All efforts are made to ensure that the public transport system is able to operate as full a service as possible throughout the construction period. Q: How can you find out when and where disruption is due to arise? A: A wide range of media, including local newspapers and
the Nottingham City Council publication Arrow, radio stations and television
programmes, are all updated with the latest information on hotspots. BBC
Radio Nottingham includes latest diversions in its traffic and travel
bulletin. Nottingham Travelwise, who broadcast the bulletins, also provide
a mailer service by fax or email and run tram information on their website
at www.nottinghamtravelwise.org.uk.
A Construction Information Officer answers queries from properties directly affected by work and general inquiries are dealt with on the Tram Hotline. Q: Once NET is up-and-running, how frequently will trams operate? A: Trams will run from around 5:40am to about midnight
(around 11pm on Sundays). During the morning and evening peak periods,
it is proposed that trams will operate at intervals of 6 minutes in each
direction. It is not proposed to run tram services on Christmas Day. Compared to existing bus services, journey times will be shorter as they can be given greater priority at traffic signals and will be less affected by congestion. It is intended that timings and ticketing of tram and bus services will be co-ordinated. Q: How much will tram fares be? A: It is expected that fares will be similar to those for equivalent bus journeys. Fares will be set at a level that ensures that use of the tram remains high. Under the rules of the Private Finance Initiative which is funding the tram, Nottingham City Council is not allowed to subsidise tram services or cover any operating losses. A: The trams which will operate in Nottingham are very quiet as they are powered by electricity, meaning they are non-polluting at the point of use. They are quieter than buses and do not give off exhaust fumes. They are not, however, totally silent and so are fitted with a horn to warn of their approach when required. They will be driven 'on sight' like any other vehicle on the street, so the tram driver will be able to stop quickly at any time necessary. A: The trams have a top speed of 50mph, but will have to comply with speed limits, ie. 30mph in built-up areas. Q: Will the tram tracks make the roads dangerous for other users? A: The rails on which the tram runs have a flat surface flush with the road. The slot in which the tram wheels run is 3.6cm wide. This is narrow enough to ensure the rail does not cause significant problems for cyclists or pedestrians. Car drivers will also find that the rails - fitted with an anti-skid surface - do not make for a bumpy driving surface, but all road users will have to learn new rules of the road. Cyclists should try to avoid cycling on them or crossing at a sharp angle. Nottingham City Council Road Safety Teams will take awareness campaigns into schools and colleges.
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