Students only have until 19th October to secure discounted tram travel for the new academic year on Nottingham Express Transit as the tram operator has revealed that over 4,5000 young people aged 16-21 were fined for travelling without a ticket in the last academic year.
The current discounted Student Academic Year pass means that tram travel only works out at 90p per day, this is 80% cheaper than buying daily student tickets. The pass is valid for use until 31st July 2026 and can be purchased using the NETGO! app until 19th October 2025.
NET continues to maintain a zero tolerance policy towards fare evasion. This means that anyone caught travelling without a valid ticket or pass receives a no questions asked Penalty Fare Notice (PFN). This can lead the recipient to being liable for prosecution if left unpaid, along with a possible further fine and a criminal record next to their name.
Head of Marketing at NET, Alison Sweeney, commented: “We understand that saving money is key for young people, and students might think not paying their tram fare is a harmless way to save a few pounds. However, fare evasion is a crime that can have very costly consequences that can go far beyond the financial impact.
“Our figures from the last academic year show that more than 4,500 of 16- to 21-year-olds were caught travelling without a valid tram ticket or pass and as such, landed themselves a £70 penalty fare notice. If a penalty fare notice is left unpaid, it leaves the recipient liable for prosecution, with a further fine of up to £1,000 and a criminal record next to their name which can impact a student’s studies or future employment.
“As we head into a new academic year, we want to raise awareness of the consequences of fare evasion while empowering as many young adults as possible to save money on their travel the right way.
“We’re committed to making travel more accessible and affordable for people in Nottingham, which is why we regularly create exclusive offers, such as our Student Academic Year tram pass. These passes are already great value for money, but for the next two weeks students can secure an extra £50 off too. This one pass gives you access to unlimited travel for the rest of the academic year, so as long as you have your NETGO! App, your pass and your student ID, you won’t have to worry about buying another ticket to get on the tram.”