Tram Responds To Latest Coronavirus Advice

Following the latest government advice to avoid all non-essential travel, Nottingham’s tram network is adjusting its timetable to reflect current levels of demand.

The new timetable has been introduced alongside a wide range of other measures to help prevent the transmission of Covid-19. Mike Mabey, NET Head of Operations, explained:

“Understandably, the number of people travelling by tram has reduced as members of the public follow government restrictions.

“At the same time, we recognise the need to maintain a robust service for the many key workers who rely on NET to get to work, so we’ll continue to operate trams every 15 minutes between 6am-7am, every 10 minutes from 7am to 7pm and every 15 minutes between 7pm and 11pm.”

Mr Mabey also outlined other operational changes, including drivers being instructed to halt at all stops so that customers don’t have to touch the stop request bell button.

“When trams come to a stop, the driver will also open all doors automatically, so there’s no need for customers to touch the open button either and, to help people keep a safe distance from each other, we’re isolating the single doors behind the driver’s cab,” he said.

“We’ve stepped up our already thorough daily cleaning regime, on board trams, at stops and in the depot, while paying particular attention to frequently touched surfaces such as buttons and handrails".

NET is also following the latest government advice on home working, with support staff operating remotely where possible, and all unnecessary face-to-face meetings have been cancelled or postponed.

The network’s call centre continues to operate as normal and customers can contact NET as usual via phone, email or webchat, although the Travel Centre in King Street has been closed temporarily to further reduce unnecessary contacts.

Anyone who does need to travel by tram is also being asked to play their part by adopting the following advice:

• Whenever possible, sit in a quiet area, keep your distance from others, be aware of the surfaces and handrails you touch.
• Make sure that you wash your hands or use hand sanitiser regularly, and do not touch your face or bite your nails, especially when travelling. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and dispose of it safely as soon as you can. If you do not have a tissue available, use the crook of your arm, not your hands or nothing at all!
• If you feel unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms, don’t put others at risk; self-isolate for at least seven days and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or get worse.

Mr Mabey added: “The safety and wellbeing of customers and staff continues to be our priority, and we are reviewing the situation daily while following the latest Government advice. Should further timetable changes or any other measures become necessary, we will provide notice to all passengers via our website, newsletters and social media channels.”