NET (Nottingham) Tram Discussion

[liamf656]

Passengers hurt as tram derailed in Chilwell bus crash

Fire officials say all passengers are safe, but some are being treated for minor injuries.

www.bbc.co.uk

Tram passengers have been treated for minor injuries after a tram was derailed in a bus crash.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said all passengers were safe and some were treated for their injuries at the scene in Inham Road in Chilwell on Thursday morning.

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) said there were "severe delays" on the Orange 36 line because of the crash.

Nottingham Express Transit said there were currently no tram services between Toton Lane and Bramcote Lane.

 

[Farigiraf]

Tram crashes seem significantly more frequent on the NET than on other tram networks in the UK. I wonder when it'll reach the point that to maintain the current timetable, more trams will need to be ordered?

 

[59CosG95]

Passengers hurt as tram derailed in Chilwell bus crash

Fire officials say all passengers are safe, but some are being treated for minor injuries.

www.bbc.co.uk

Well, that's Tram 228 out of commission for a good few months! Glad there were no casualties on board either vehicle.

 

[duffield]

Well, that's Tram 228 out of commission for a good few months! Glad there were no casualties on board either vehicle.

Given the state of the front of the bus it's quite remarkable that the driver escaped serious injury.

This is pretty unusual, such incidents usually involve car drivers doing things like chancing it timing wise with traffic lights, or thinking trams can just "steer around" if they poke their bonnet out of a side road!

Judging from the approaching bus driver's point of view, the sighting of the tram approaching is not at all good due to houses and then large shrubs, so my first thought with this incident is the possibility of a fault in the traffic light + tram signal system at this location.

 

[edwin_m]

Given the state of the front of the bus it's quite remarkable that the driver escaped serious injury.

This is pretty unusual, such incidents usually involve car drivers doing things like chancing it timing wise with traffic lights, or thinking trams can just "steer around" if they poke their bonnet out of a side road!

Judging from the approaching bus driver's point of view, the sighting of the tram approaching is not at all good due to houses and then large shrubs, so my first thought with this incident is the possibility of a fault in the traffic light + tram signal system at this location.

Here's a Streetview: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dSSeT8wAtHjAAAfA6

If that is representative of the situation today then the bus driver would have had very little view on final approach to the crossing, and the vegetation needs looking it (has it grown up since the tramway opened?). And any forward-facing CCTV or data logging of the signals will be very pertinent too.

 

[Tramfan]

If you go back to 2015 or 2017 on the street view, there's very little vegetation there

 

[duffield]

If you go back to 2015 or 2017 on the street view, there's very little vegetation there

Yes, even in 2019 there's a pretty clear view of any approaching tram, and as the most recent view is 2022 it's possibly got a lot worse since then, if so the bus driver would have had zero view of the tram until far too late. I'm pretty sure both the tram and bus will have CCTV of the approach so it should quickly be clear if the lights/signals were at fault.
Edit: Although some of the vegetation seems to be perennial so it's perhaps not so clear what the view would be like at this time of year.

 

[edwin_m]

Yes, even in 2019 there's a pretty clear view of any approaching tram, and as the most recent view is 2022 it's possibly got a lot worse since then, if so the bus driver would have had zero view of the tram until far too late. I'm pretty sure both the tram and bus will have CCTV of the approach so it should quickly be clear if the lights/signals were at fault.
Edit: Although some of the vegetation seems to be perennial so it's perhaps not so clear what the view would be like at this time of year.

It shouldn't actually matter if the signals are working correctly and obeyed. However, when I was running safety workshops for Metrolink Phase 3, one thing the operator really wanted was good intervisibility between a road vehicle at the stop line and an approaching tram.

 

[GraphitProjekt]

visibility of the tram is important, but surely visibility of the traffic light is a bigger deal. It doesn't look obscured in any way in either direction.

From my memory as a passenger, the traffic light interlocking would resume giving green lights to traffic if it assumed that the tram has passed, not if it actually has done.

I remember a time coming into the University stop from the Beeston direction, it crosses both lanes of the main road and their was stopped traffic blocking the tram line when the signal priority had changed to let the tram pass. The tram had to wait quite a while for those cars to be able to move forward - long enough that the system I think assumed the tram had gone passed because it'd triggered the lights to let it through and a certain amount of time had passed. But we hadn't and the lights turned green for the drivers few of whom - for some reason - wanted to give way to a tram that was halfway stuck across the junction.

 

[tram21]

I'd say its far more likely there was a medical episode or similar involving the bus driver. It seems unlikely that a traffic light issue would cause this.

Its quite impressive to see a replacement bus service introduced very quickly. Maybe NCT feeling guilty

 

[edwin_m]

visibility of the tram is important, but surely visibility of the traffic light is a bigger deal. It doesn't look obscured in any way in either direction.

From my memory as a passenger, the traffic light interlocking would resume giving green lights to traffic if it assumed that the tram has passed, not if it actually has done.

I remember a time coming into the University stop from the Beeston direction, it crosses both lanes of the main road and their was stopped traffic blocking the tram line when the signal priority had changed to let the tram pass. The tram had to wait quite a while for those cars to be able to move forward - long enough that the system I think assumed the tram had gone passed because it'd triggered the lights to let it through and a certain amount of time had passed. But we hadn't and the lights turned green for the drivers few of whom - for some reason - wanted to give way to a tram that was halfway stuck across the junction.

The tram will request a signal phase when it passes over a detector loop far enough on the approach side of the junction that, all being well, it gets that phase without having to slow down. It will normally then go over the junction and the traffic signals will return to green for road traffic and stop aspect for trams. If the tram doesn't go over the junction, the vertical tram proceed aspect will change to a "cluster" aspect which is the equivalent of an amber traffic light, and the tram will have to stop unless it's too close to the junction to do so. After a short time the tram signal will change to the horizontal stop aspect.

If this happens, because for some reason the tram couldn't go over the junction, it should stop on the stop line which puts its transmitter over another loop. The traffic signal will detect this and probably continue giving a tram signal phase at intervals until the tram move off.

In the case above the tram didn't stop on the stop lline, perhaps because the driver thought they had enough room to get through but then had second thoughts after a closer look. Or perhaps a road vehicle moved unexpectedly in front of the tram. In that case there won't be another tram phase but you would think common sense might apply and road vehicle drivers wouldn't try to ram their way through a big green tram blocking their way...

 

[GraphitProjekt]

In the case above the tram didn't stop on the stop lline, perhaps because the driver thought they had enough room to get through but then had second thoughts after a closer look. Or perhaps a road vehicle moved unexpectedly in front of the tram. In that case there won't be another tram phase but you would think common sense might apply and road vehicle drivers wouldn't try to ram their way through a big green tram blocking their way...

I can't totally remember but it's 2 lanes of traffic in each direction and a little central reservation, I think the tram had to wait at the line for the first direction to clear up as well. What i remember distinctly is being halfway across the junction and the lights had turned green for the cars, the lanes in the direction of Beeston were totally blocked by the tram and on the lanes going towards the city, cars were just driving past rather selfishly. The tram driver made heavy use of the horn in lieu of any signal protection

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Feb 2026 ==

Its quite impressive to see a replacement bus service introduced very quickly. Maybe NCT feeling guilty

I'd say it's because NCT is a pretty good bus operator. Having lived most of my life in Norwich and spent a lot of time in Leeds, Nottingham has it pretty good when it comes to buses

 

[meld3]

Well, that's Tram 228 out of commission for a good few months! Glad there were no casualties on board either vehicle.

Jinxed - its only just returned after crashing with a car in June last year.

 

[duffield]

...

I'd say it's because NCT is a pretty good bus operator. Having lived most of my life in Norwich and spent a lot of time in Leeds, Nottingham has it pretty good when it comes to buses

I'm very happy with the frequency, reliability and tracking facilities.

 

[tram21]

I'd say it's because NCT is a pretty good bus operator. Having lived most of my life in Norwich and spent a lot of time in Leeds, Nottingham has it pretty good when it comes to buses

NCT usually refuse to help NET normally! They're not particularly close and they normally say helping NET would affect their usual operations. This is basically the first time a same-day tram replacement has ever been arranged.

But I am very fond of both operators and think they both do a fantastic job in the city, so this work together today is excellent.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Feb 2026 ==

Jinxed - its only just returned after crashing with a car in June last year.

And it was definitely in a few severe crashes previously!

It's also the tram I was on a few weeks ago and the power cut out multiple times leading to an 1 hour+ delay to my journey as we kept being told to stop between stops.

 

[MCR247]

NCT usually refuse to help NET normally! They're not particularly close and they normally say helping NET would affect their usual operations. This is basically the first time a same-day tram replacement has ever been arranged.

But I am very fond of both operators and think they both do a fantastic job in the city, so this work together today is excellent.

And to be fair, it probably would affect their usual operations unless it is out of term time. Several NCT routes are/were missing buses this afternoon/this evening - something they’re always very upfront about too to their credit.

Couldn’t have said it any better myself for the second paragraph. I’d just love a way to get live tram times online!

I see this evening the tram closure has extended to Beeston Centre - I was surprised to see the next tram indicators at the stops had been updated to show Beeston Centre as the destination - usually you’ll get a scrolling message about no trams between x and y but the old normal destinations still showing right above! Something I’ve probably complained about before on here so excellent to see!

I think this’ll be my first time on the Beeston Centre crossover. Good job there wasn’t a faulty tram stored there like there occasionally is

 

[Jozhua]

My goodness, that's a dramatic accident!

I wonder how NET deals with the trams involved in major crashes like this... I can't imagine the repair jobs are easy. The Bulwell crossover incident was quite severe.

Either way, it's good to see there were no serious injuries. Goes to show how both vehicles have clearly been well designed. The fact that there are typically fewer standing passengers on that part of the line will have helped too.

 

[TR673]

The severed end of 228 is currently sat at Toton Lane on a low loader. The rest of it is sitting further down the line having been pushed out of the way by Incentro 210.

 

[trentbartonfan]

And to be fair, it probably would affect their usual operations unless it is out of term time. Several NCT routes are/were missing buses this afternoon/this evening - something they’re always very upfront about too to their credit.

Couldn’t have said it any better myself for the second paragraph. I’d just love a way to get live tram times online!

I see this evening the tram closure has extended to Beeston Centre - I was surprised to see the next tram indicators at the stops had been updated to show Beeston Centre as the destination - usually you’ll get a scrolling message about no trams between x and y but the old normal destinations still showing right above! Something I’ve probably complained about before on here so excellent to see!

I think this’ll be my first time on the Beeston Centre crossover. Good job there wasn’t a faulty tram stored there like there occasionally is

The closest I’ve ever got to being on the beeston crossover is being told to get off at Middle Street.

 

[STINT47]

I've done the Beeston crossover before but it resulted in lots of confused and annoyed passengers not knowing what was happening and where they were.

It was announced on the tram that it would terminate at Beeston due to late running but lots missed it. I think they therefore tip out at Midfld Street now to avoid this.

 

[tram21]

It was announced on the tram that it would terminate at Beeston due to late running but lots missed it. I think they therefore tip out at Midfld Street now to avoid this.

In service trams are often held on the crossover too for passing services, so unfortunately it is now policy to just detrain passengers at Middle Street.

I have had it before when I was on a tram terminated short and due to having a minor issue on the crossover with the points, the tram behind overtook us and it wasn't possible to transfer at Beeston Centre! There's obviously no risk of that at Middle Street.

I've asked people why it is, and basically its just to avoid confusion.

 

[STINT47]

Trams are now running to and from Totton Lane.

 

[duffield]

Trams are now running to and from Totton Lane.

Yes, I was expecting there would have been at least a bit of damage to the track, keeping it closed for a while longer and maybe needing a bit of grinding out or something, but obviously not. Luckily there was no relevant damage to street lamps, OHLE, tram signals or traffic lights. The only thing that's a bit worrying is that if there's a possibility of the accident cause being some sort of (maybe intermittent) fault in the traffic light / tram signal system, it's not clear they've had enough time to eliminate that possibility before opening the line. But I suppose they could have determined the cause already if it turned out to be something straightforward.

 

[tram21]

Yes, I was expecting there would have been at least a bit of damage to the track, keeping it closed for a while longer and maybe needing a bit of grinding out or something, but obviously not. Luckily there was no relevant damage to street lamps, OHLE, tram signals or traffic lights. The only thing that's a bit worrying is that if there's a possibility of the accident cause being some sort of (maybe intermittent) fault in the traffic light / tram signal system, it's not clear they've had enough time to eliminate that possibility before opening the line. But I suppose they could have determined the cause already if it turned out to be something straightforward.

I'm sure it was determined that it wasn't a traffic light fault early on. I'm certain the cause would have been found very quickly...

 

[507 001]

I think that’s a bit of an understatement…

 

[tram21]

View attachment 198656

I think that’s a bit of an understatement…

That was there before the incident

Quite ironic though!

 

[38291018]

NCT usually refuse to help NET normally! They're not particularly close and they normally say helping NET would affect their usual operations. This is basically the first time a same-day tram replacement has ever been arranged.

But I am very fond of both operators and think they both do a fantastic job in the city, so this work together today is excellent.

Yes NET seem to use Notts+Derby alot for tram replacements expecially toton lane end of the tram line where the incident was

 

[tram21]

Another day of severe disruption today, with overhead line damage at Basford suspending services between The Forest and Bulwell/ Highbury Vale.

The disruption began yesterday at 1845, and continued overnight and into today. Overnight all trams already out were stable away from the depot, with severely disrupted service today. There is no indication when full service will resume.

Unlike recent severe disruption incidents, I'm very disappointed at the customer information given. There's been no updates at all today, and all departure boards are showing the wrong times, causing major confusion for travelling passengers. Many drivers aren't changing the destination to The Forest either, with tram destinations and all departure boards still showing Hucknall/ Phoenix Park. I was onboard a tram when the disruption first occurred yesterday, and the information then was shocking too. There's also no audio announcements on any trams, or at tram stops announcing the disruption as there usually is.

Disruptions are outside their control, but what is within the control of NET is how disruptions are managed, and this is a shame how badly its been managed.

 

[ChrisC]

There are no trams this morning as all services have been withdrawn. Website reporting network wide issues. All NCT buses accepting tram tickets and EMR between Beeston-Nottingham-Hucknall.

 

[tram21]

No reason has really been given for the service suspension.

I love how 'all NCT buses are accepting tickets'- I'd love to see how far you could use that. I'm on the NCT bus to Newark this morning but decided not to try and use my tram ticket