When the East Midlands Combined Authority launched their consultation into improving transport in the region it was widely expected that the only tram related proposals would be concerning extending Nottingham’s system, with the idea of linking it with Derby another possibility. But the Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) seem to have grander ideas with their Regional Officer for the East Midlands, David Gibson, having drawn up a detailed plan for an extensive tram network in Derby.
The proposed network would connect the main traffic generators of Derby with its principal residential areas, significantly improving mobility whilst also supporting economic growth, regeneration, and environmental objectives across the wider area.
The proposal is for a four line network:
- Line 1 – from The Wyvern via Pride Park, Derby Midland Station, the city centre, and the former northern alignment to Kingsway, before forming a loop serving the Royal Derby Hospital, Mickleover, and Mackworth
- Line 2 – would connect with Line 1 at Derby Midland Station, follow the Birmingham railway corridor, and serve the Rolls-Royce Sinfin site, Infinity Park, Shelton Lock, Chellaston, Boulton Moor, Alvaston and Raynesway, before reconnecting with Line 1 at The Wyvern
- Line 3 – would branch from Line 1 at Willow Row, run through the West End to the University of Derby sites in the Markeaton area, serve the Kedleston Road campus, and continue to loop around Allestree
- Line 4 – would run from The Wyvern and connect with Nottingham Express Transit at Toton Lane (so forming the previously floated link between Derby and Nottingham), serving Spondon, Borrowash, Draycott, Breaston and Long Eaton
If the full network was built it is estimated that it would attract 75,000 passengers a day, with the majority being former car users. The modal shift would make a major contribution to reducing congestion while helping to rejuvenate Derby City Centre.
David Edwards, Chair of the LRTA Campaigns Group, said: “The LRTA believes that a Derby tram network would represent a transformational investment, delivering long-term benefits for residents, businesses, and the wider East Midlands region”.
The LRTA also believe that a tram system of this nature would be significantly cheaper than the reported £650 million A38 Derby Junctions road scheme. It would also deliver far greater benefits in terms of economic productivity, accessibility, and environmental performance.
The detailed proposal suggests it should be built in two phases with lines 1 and 4 making up the first phase to be followed later by lines 2 and 3. Estimates in the proposal – with advantage taken of newer technologies in laying tracks as seen in Coventry – say phase 1 should cost £300 million, line 2 £160 million and line 3 £45 million.
In response to the proposal, a BBC News article quotes Andrew Pritchard, Director of Policy and Infrastructure at East Midlands Councils, as saying: “The challenge with tram systems is you have to move a lot of underground infrastructure away from the tracks in order to make them viable and that is probably the biggest single cost. However, there are potential, cheaper alternatives that can be trialled – Coventry is pioneering something called Very Light Rail which uses a different kind of technology.”
The Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation runs until 8th February 2026. Responses to this will then be used to create a draft transport plan for the East Midlands.