Nottingham’s tram network has resumed a full service as government restrictions around public transport continue to ease

As more people return to work and start to travel more again, NET returned to its normal timetable on Monday, August 3, with tram services operating from every seven minutes.

The NET Travel Centre in King Street has also reopened, operating normal hours but with social distancing measures in place and you can read the full story here.

In other news this week:

Metrolink

With government and our local authorities acting together in response to a spike in coronavirus cases in parts of Greater Manchester, Metrolink customers are being reminded that it’s now more important than ever to follow the advice on safe travel.

Although travel advice for people in Greater Manchester hasn’t changed as a result of the introduction of new local restrictions on meeting other people, they’re being urged to think about how and when to travel.

At https://tfgm.com/coronavirus they’re advised to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journey, avoid the busiest times and routes if they can and be patient when travelling.

Anyone who is not exempt must wear a face covering when using the public transport network, including at transport hubs and interchanges. Anyone who doesn’t follow the rules may be unable to travel and could face a £100 fine.

Blackpool Transport

Visitors to the seaside town can now explore 11 miles of coastline by tram for a flat fare of £2.10, regardless of how far they travel.

The new ticket option replaces Blackpool Transport multiple prices and will see the majority of our customers benefit from even greater value tram journeys.

The deal is being introduced by the operator as it steps up services alongside the easing of coronavirus restrictions and is one of a range of new fare options.  For most customers, the cost of travel will be less than before the pandemic and you can find out more here.

London Tramlink

Media reports suggest plans for the Sutton tram-link have been put on hold by Transport for London due to financial pressures.

Sutton and Croydon Guardian reports that the plans have been shelved following the Mayor of London’s funding deal with the Government, necessitated by the financial crisis Transport for London has faced since the pandemic.

Hopes had been raised in February that scheme would go ahead after TfL announced that a tram link between Colliers Wood and Sutton is the preferred option. Last week however they announced they were pausing the plans.

Luas Dublin

The first of eight new Luas 55m trams have arrived at the network’s Broombridge Depot.

The larger trams are capable of carrying up to 100 more customers than the existing fleet of 44m trams and will increase Luas capacity on some of the busiest sections of the network.

Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Climate Action, Communications Networks and Transport welcomed the first new tram to the depot ahead of its entry to passenger service. The remaining seven 55m trams are all expected to be carry passenger by early 2021.

You can read the full story here. 

UKTram

The organisation’s Managing Director, James Hammett is supporting the efforts of his two daughters to raise money for a worthy cause.

After a post-lockdown haircut, Madeline and Ruby have donated their locks to a charity that makes wigs for children undergoing cancer treatment. They’re also raising money for the Little Princes Trust and further details, including information on how to make a donation, can be found here.

To be included in the next round-up, or the Member’s News section of the website, send your press releases to jamieswift@uktram.co.uk.