All 15 of the original Bombardier Incentro trams on the Nottingham Express Transit system are now back in service after the £3.5 million refurbishment programme was completed. The last of the trams re-entered service on Tuesday 23rd March 2021 with the project having started in spring 2019.
Described as helping to future-proof the network the most obvious aspect of the refurbishment has been the application of a new livery while internally the layout has been slightly revised to try and keep consistency for passengers between the two types of trams running on the network. But that’s not where the work has ended as there has been a major mechanical overhaul along with replacement of floors and all interior fittings. The aim of the complete project has been to boost reliability, comfort and accessibility.
Paul Robinson, NET Managing Director, said: “This extensive refurbishment project has already delivered significant benefits for customers, particularly those with disabilities. The new look matches NET’s newer Citadis models and research has shown that having a single look across the fleet can help customers with sight impairments to access the network and also makes it easier to use for people with dementia. The refurbished trams have already proved a huge hit with customers and the completion of the upgrade programme reflects our continued commitment to investing in a first-class tram network for Nottingham.”
The work was undertaken by Alstom at Wilkinson Street with the first tram to go through the works being 203 in May 2019. The work continued throughout the pandemic and Peter Broadley, Head of UK Services at Alstom, had this to say: “We have worked closely with the operator on this important project and are delighted to have completed the refurbishment of all 15 Incentro trams. We look forward to supporting the fleet as it continues to serve Nottingham for many years to come.”
This is the second major work the fleet of 15 trams have enjoyed since originally assembled by Bombardier in Derby. The first had taken place from 2013.