This month Nottingham played host to more than 300 delegates from across the UK light rail industry for the 20th annual Mainspring UK Light Rail Conference.

The event, which was sponsored by Hucknall and Bulwell tram operator Nottingham Express Transit (NET), took place at Nottingham Trent University and marked its first return to the city in 10 years.

This year’s theme celebrated two decades of innovation across the industry, with reflections on how far the industry has come, and a look ahead to the future of UK light rail.

Coun Angela Kandola (Lab), chair of the Greater Nottingham Light Rapid Transit Advisory Committee, officially opened the event, saying: “My partnership with NET began in 2023 when I was appointed the portfolio holder for highways, transport and planning at Nottingham City Council.

Nottingham played host to more than 300 delegates from across the UK light rail industry

placeholder image — Nottingham played host to more than 300 delegates from across the UK light rail industry

"From that point, the relationship has gone from strength to strength.

"Nottingham’s tram network first opened in 2004, and since then has developed into a modern and efficient network, spanning more than 32 kilometres.

"It plays an essential role in connecting people to the places that matter most.

"In fact, Nottingham is the only city in the UK where a major hospital is served directly by the trams – a clear example of how transport enhances access to vital services.”

The NET team also played a pivotal role in the event.

Tim Hesketh, chief executive officer of Tramlink which operates the network, shared insights into the network’s journey since its launch in 2004, as well as the vital work he has spearheaded to secure the future of the city’s trams for years to come.

He said: “The Nottingham tram network is the only one which is funded under the PFI financial system, which presents unique challenges to us, our shareholders and the project as a whole.

"However, one of the unfortunate things about PFI projects is that they run a very strict regime, requiring us to run around a thousand trips a day.

"Each trip in and out of the city is measured as a single trip, and we’re not allowed to change that – it doesn’t matter how many people we have on the tram, we still have to run those trips.

“That meant that during Covid, we still had to run a full service, with or without passengers, and as a result our fare revenue fell through the floor.

"This, coupled with rising energy bills meant we were in a position where our revenues were substantially down and costs to run the network were at an all-time high.

“However, to ensure we could secure the future of the network and put it in a more stable financial position, in 2023, we completed a successful financial restructuring project following a negotiation of loan terms from lenders.

"Like many other public transport operators, we’re all still feeling the effects of Covid on revenue and passenger numbers, but by sharing our experiences as an operator, we hope to encourage others in the light rail industry.

"Although forecasts look strong for the coming years, we know we cannot expect passengers to pay for travel if we’re not running a good service.

"As such we continue to work to ensure there are no avoidable delays or cancellations while striving to get the balance right on fares in the midst of no support from central Government, unlike buses.

“In addition, the network is still facing the challenges that come with maintaining a fleet of trams

"We’re also looking at ways we can introducing new timetables that better serve our communities.

"We remain committed to doing all we can to ensure the security of the network and that we can continue running a safe and reliable network for the people of Nottingham.”