An enhanced timetable and an increase in trust of the network saw a 13% increase in passenger numbers on Nottingham Express Transit during the recent Goose Fair when compared with the event in 2024.
Passenger numbers during the 10-day Goose Fair in 2025 were 13% higher than 2024, which equates to approximately 68,000 additional journeys made by the public. NET say that the figures show an increase in trust in the network, and a rise in locals choosing the trams as their preferred mode of transport during busier periods within the city.
During the Goose Fair an enhanced evening service was introduced which saw trams running more frequently, alongside additional trams in operation. This saw a positive response from customers and since 6th October, NET have been running a further one-month pilot of this timetable to help the city say moving after dark in the run up to the busy festive period.
Tim Hesketh, Chief Executive Officer at Tramlink (operator of NET), said: “It’s becoming clear that more people are choosing to use the trams to enjoy everything that our lively, vibrant city has to offer. Our goal has always been to help keep the city moving, so these recent statistics are really positive.
“With more than 490,000 people visiting Nottingham’s Goose Fair this year, the huge impact that this event continues to have on the local economy is clear to see, and we’re pleased to have been able to play a part in facilitating that. The introduction of our recent enhanced timetable came off the back of positive customer feedback and shows the city’s appetite for reliable and convenient evening travel. It also helps to ease congestion, and our own statistics show just how many more people we’re capable of carrying with some strategic timetable adjustments.
“As we head into another extremely busy festive period for the city, with thousands flocking from near and far to visit Nottingham’s popular Winter Wonderland, we’re looking forward to seeing the results of our current enhanced timetable trial.
“We’re also still collecting feedback from the people of Nottingham on whether they’d like to see the timetable become a permanent fixture, so we encourage anyone who’s not done so yet, to get in touch with their thoughts.”