Its been a long old time since the Greater Nottingham Light Rail Transit Advisory Committee last met which has meant there haven’t been any official performance figures released since the end of April 2024, but with the Committee due to meet again this month we can again report on how the network has been running.
With such a large period since the last figures its difficult to really compare as these new numbers are covering a full seven month period. From the start of May 2024 until the end of November 2024, the reliability of the network was recorded as 93.6% with punctuality at 95.8%. If you wish to compare to the previous three months that was 96% and 94%.
Tram availability has remained an underlying theme impacting the performance over these seven months. 232 remain out of service – and in Derby – undergoing repairs whilst there have also been temporary withdrawals of trams as collisions with other road vehicles have been prevalent as well. However, its pleasing to report that August 2024 was the best performing August since 2016.
During this period there were a number of significant incidents will contributed to delays:
- Several substation faults across the system. Some were linked to incoming power issues from the national grid and experienced a component failure more recently at Moor Bridge.
- During the summer an increase in incidents with cyclists taking risks around the tramway, leading to some minor RTCs. Additional briefings were provided to tram drivers to remind them to be vigilant.
- 4th June – serious collision between a motorcycle and a car at Sheriff’s Way Junction caused disruption whilst the Police closed the road for several hours.
- 8th July – a tram failure at Nottingham Railway Station disrupted journeys for several hours to allow the tram to be recovered. A lessons learned session was held in line with our post incident review process, with the aim to improve response times in the future.
- 12th September – Non-tram RTC on Gregory Boulevard caused traffic congestion leading to service delays
- 19th September – A scaffolding truck pulled out in front of an approaching tram at Beaconsfield Street junction. Despite the tram driver applying the emergency brake, a collision occurred which derailed the tram. The tram driver suffered injuries. The tram was out of action for several days whilst repaired.
- 20th September – a lorry fire on the A453 caused disruption around Clifton as diverted traffic tried to find alternative routes.
- 29th September – A fire at the Pizza Punks Restaurant, Lace Market resulted in disruption.
- 16th October – A car collided with a tram at the David Lane junction after failing to observe a red light.
- 17th November – a serious incident in the city centre required the Police to close off Victoria Street. Trams were only able to pass from lunchtime.
- 18th November – engineering works replacing damaged overhead line at Beeston overran after during the works NET technicians identified kinks in the new overhead line being installed. Services resumed for the morning peak.
- End of November – snow and ice with broken-down cars, cars skidding into infrastructure and making turns onto tram tracks caused disruption. Tram disruption – thanks to running ice breaker trams overnight and good winter preparations ensured tram disruption was kept to a minimum.
The report also confirms that the number of incidents where trams failed to stop at a signal have been reduced following the introduction of new signage. As a result of this positive result, the signage is now being reviewed as a best practice approach within the industry.
Its also good to report that anti-social behaviour levels have seen a sustained decline. However, despite this fall front-line staff continue to experience abuse and occasionally physical violence when carrying out their duties. Criminal damage on the network is also on the fall but continues to affect staff and customers. NET continue to work closely with the Police to identify and prosecute where possible and carry out joint operations alongside schools in areas where anti-social behaviour and fare evasion are at their highest.