Final tests begin on Nottingham Express Transit extension

Final tests are currently underway on Phase Two of the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) tram extension.

On 31 July 2015, NET began full timetable tests on Phase Two of the Nottingham tram extension programme. Trams will be tested every seven minutes on two new lines to Clifton and Toton in the south and southwest of the city.

Once open to the public the extension will more than double the size of Nottingham’s tram network with an additional 17.5km of new track and 28 new tram stops. In total the network will consist of 51 tram stops, with the two new lines linking directly to Line One at Nottingham Station.

Councillor Nick McDonald at Nottingham City Council, said: “This is really great news because we’re very nearly there now.

“For people along the new lines they will, in effect, see the trams operating just as they will do when actual services start. For just a little while yet they won’t be able to get on board even though trams will pull up at the stops.

“It is all part of the important step of making sure the full timetable across the whole network, including Line One, is working just as we expect. We’ll then get the green light and it’s all systems go.”

When the extended service commences, NET is expected to carry 23 million passengers per year and will help boost the local economy by up to £300 million a year.