Greater Nottingham Rapid Transit (GNRT) – comprising city and county councils and Nottingham Development Enterprise – has given the go-ahead for a £90m tram system in Nottingham.
The decision follows a report by Arrow Consortium – comprising Nottingham City Transport, Tarmac and Adtranz – which argues the project would attract private investment.
Nottingham city planner Richard Wood is eager to play-up the differences between GNRT’s plans and Sheffield’s tram system which is now up for sale. Unlike the Sheffield tram, Nottingham would use existing rail lines which would allow a faster, more efficient service. He also said that Nottingham’s “park and ride” scheme was already popular, whereas in Sheffield shoppers usually drove into the city centre.
“We will have to look at Sheffield and be cautious, but we are confident we will not be faced with the same situation,” said Wood.
Once a private sector bid was in place, the Department of Transport would decide how much it was willing to contribute.
EGi News 24/09/96
