NET unveils designs for the new Alstom trams destined for Nottinghams expanding network

Nottingham Express Transit has revealed a sleek new design for the 22 new trams which will help to modernise Nottinghams fleet which is expected to provide for around 20 million passenger journeys a year when the expanded network goes live in 2014.

The new vehicles are being manufactured by Alstom, as part of their scope within the Taylor Woodrow Alstom Joint Venture and member of the Tramlink Nottingham consortium which, last December, won the 22-year concession to build two new lines and operate the network.

Councillor Jane Urquhart, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transportation at Nottingham City Council, said: We are delighted with the iconic design of the new trams, they are very much in keeping with NETs strong visual identity and the Councils vision for a world-class tram network.

Once completed, the expanded network will carry more than double the number of passengers per year than the current system on a more frequent service. It will be one of the most modern fleets in the country and something in which the city can take great pride.

The Council obviously wants the best for Nottingham and the vehicles are based on Alstoms hugely successful Citadis range which is already used on leading tram networks in many parts of the world.

The expanded tram network will see trams travel over Nottingham Station to serve the south and south west of the city, with work already underway to build the first of three interconnecting tram bridges over Nottingham Station, which is also undergoing a £67 million redevelopment to create a world-class transport interchange.

Terence Watson, Managing Director of Alstom Transport UK and Ireland, explained: The Citadis trams for Nottingham will be built using proven technological components. Working with Nottingham City Council and Tramlink, Alstom Transports design department has developed the vehicles to make them unique to Nottingham and they will blend harmoniously with the existing fleet, while retaining a distinctive look.

Enhancements to the design include a finely contoured streamlined silhouette of the vehicle with light, airy and contemporary interiors. Mobilityimpaired passengers will find that care has also been taken to ensure the layout and interior systems correspond to those of the existing trams.

In addition, the drivers cab has been designed with an emphasis on comfort and provides a commanding view of surrounding traffic conditions as well as the interior of the tram.

Tramlink Nottingham Chief Executive, Phil Hewitt, said: These are excellent vehicles and were delighted to provide a truly eye-catching tram for the City of Nottingham.

Construction of the new trams will begin in Alstoms Barcelona plant this summer and the first vehicles are planned to be introduced on the current system in two years time in advance of the new three-line network being opened for service.

A total of 36 other major cities throughout the world have chosen Alstoms Citadis for their tram systems, including Paris, Madrid, Dublin, Istanbul and Melbourne.  The trams have carried more than 4 billion passengers and have demonstrated their reliability over more than 380 million km in service.