For the first time in our Picture in Time series we are off to the East Midlands’ only operating light rail system – Nottingham Express Transit. We are in Nottingham for the second day of public operation – 10th March 2004 – with a view of one of the original Incentro trams.
This photo was taken on a rather grey day – with a few snow flurries thrown in for good measure! – and shows 203 on the approach to Hucknall on 10th March 2004. The tram has just left the single track section and is almost at the platform where it will terminate before returning to Station Street – with the destination screen already changed for its next trip. 203 is one of 15 Incentro trams constructed by Bombardier in Derby in 2002/3, all of the vehicles underwent extensive testing in Derby before being delivered to Nottingham and once in their new home were fully commissioned and used for the testing of the system. At this point 203 was in the then standard fleet livery and has only ever carried fleet livery with a change into the new silver based livery its only change of colours.
Photograph by Gareth Prior