NET Phase Two

[Insignia]

I think this post deserves it's own thread. Hopefully this thread stays existent until we get the long awaited speech from Darling on NET Phase Two.

(24th fabruary 2006)

"Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said while in Nottingham this week that a decision on expanding Nottingham’s tram system would be forthcoming “within months.”

so "within months" would be February (gone), March (gone!), April, May...

I can't wait for the decision on the Tram extensions! There's no way he could withdraw funding from phase two.

[Insignia]

for those who don't know...

NET Phase Two is the collective term for the project to build extensions to Line One of Nottingham Express Transit (NET). The Project is managed jointly by the promoters of NET - Nottingham City Council and Nottingham County Council.

The extensions are Line 2 to Chilwell and Line 3 to Clifton. The route lengths of Line 1, Nottingham is 14Km. Line 2 will be 10 Km and Line 3 will be 8 Km. The total length is 32 km. The number of NET Stops will be 24 (Line One) and 28 for (Lines 2 & 3)

[Metrolink]

It's kind of been mentioned on here before - Phase 4 for NET has been 'released'...

See http://www.nettrams.net/ (a VERY reliable source of info on NET).

[Metrolink]

Having said that - it is 1st April - so don't take too much notice of it - not yet anyway.

[Insignia]

I noticed they were digging under the Bridge which Line 1 Runs on from Station Street just this morning walking from the Station.

[Metrolink]

It won't have anything to do with future plans.

Since phase 2 (lines 2 and 3) haven't ben funded yet, and I don't think Nottingham is going down the Manchester route of starting construction without funding, I'd imagine it may simply be people investigating if it's possible to use the tunnel in the future.

[Insignia]

......

[CharlieP]

Exactly - the tunnel is already full of heating pipes and all sorts of other service gubbins, and the Victoria Station area has been taken up by the Victoria Centre car park.

As much as I'd love to see a new route through the tunnel, giving the Vicky Centre its own underground station, I can't see it ever happening...

[Insignia]

well eventually NET will expand to become a more complex network. And eventually NET will also operate a Subway system in Nottingham. They will operate NET commuter Trains too.

[Metrolink]

Looks like a (positive) decision is very very close.

Locals are in very positive mood, and the 'decision' has now gone from the DfT to the Treasury.

[Furrydice]

That sound likes excellent news Metrolink. What is your source for that?

[Metrolink]

Local councillors and an MP from the region.

[ranny fash]

needs to happen really

[Metrolink]

Very good news.

Positive announcement expected in Parliment tomorrow at 9:30am.

Radio Nottingham will be devoting tomorrow to tram day (available on the www).

Interviews starting about 7:30am apparently.

[Metrolink]

from the local MP...

Nick wrote:

1. Tram decision at last
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After inordinate delay, we finally have a decision on government
funding for the Beeston/Chilwell tram extension (and the other
extension into Rushcliffe), and the decision is yes. This means that:

- If the scheme goes ahead, the Government is willing to pay 75% of
the cost. The remainder will be covered by the City Council, private
investors and a one-off County contribution. From the purely
financial perspective, this is good news: it means that in our area
we will get a new public transport scheme which is over 90% financed
by other people.

- The next stages are as I understand it these:

a) The City and County Councils vote to confirm that they still want
to do it. They need to do this twice with a six-week gap, to ensure
that the decision is not taken in haste. It is, however, a formality:
the Labour majority on both councils were elected on a platform of
supporting the tram; the Conservatives, who opposed it, are now pro-
tram at a national level (it's not yet clear whether local
Conservative councillors will agree).

b) The Secretary of State decides whether to hold a Public Inquiry. I
shall strongly urge him to do so - I don't think the issue can
possibly be described as so uncontroversial that it should simply
sail through without discussion.

c) Negotiations can be completed between the councils and people and
businesses who would be adversely affected, and compensation paid
where agreement is reached.

d) The inquiry, with an independent Inspector, will run through 2007.
Anyone in the area can submit views for or against.

e) The inspector will report in, probably, early 2008. If he approves
the proposal, perhaps with modifications, contracts can be issued. If
he rejects it, the scheme fails, though in theory the councils could
start again with a new application taking into account his reasons.

f) Construction will take around 3 years, with each stretch of the
route from the City to Bardills having probably two three-month
periods of disruption (the first to clear utility cables, the second
to lay tracks etc.

g) The best guess for actual routine operation is 2012.

For balance, these are the arguments against. First, it's a
substantial subsidy from taxpayers nationally: like trains, trams do
not break even without subsidy. Second, it will mean displacing one
retirement home (Neville Sadler Court) and potentially noise issues
for several others. Finally, disruption in remodelling the high road
in Chilwell (which will be widened in parts) will be substantial, and
some business and homes (e.g. Gwenbrook Avenue) will be seriously
affected.

My position has always been a bit more mixed than many colleagues, since I
have to represent constituents who will be adversely affected by the route,
and
I will be submitting a range of objections to ensure that their concerns are
fully heard at the public inquiry. I was, however, in favour of the
Government
agreeing funding. We have to be serious about public transport if we aren't
to
be total hypocrites when we worry about climate change and pollution. The
tram
in Nottingham is probably the most successful public transport project in
Britain since the London Tube: it came in almost on time, and it is running
with
more passengers than expected and a handsome surplus on operating costs.

It would in my view be eccentric to leave it at a single line
instead of building on success with an integrated network, and
disastrous for our area if we were the only part left out. Eventually
I hope to see Stapleford and Kimberley connected as well (and in the
short term I'm working to get a shuttle bus from Kimberley to the
Phoenix Park terminal).

[Metrolink]

never say I don't give you the information on here first.

Anyway, now official...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/n...re/6082026.stm

Tram network gets £578m extension

An artist's impression of the tram service in Beeston
Two new tram lines in Nottingham have been given government approval in a scheme costing a total of £578m.
The tram network extensions will run from the centre of the city to Clifton and to Chilwell and Beeston.

Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander announced £437m from the government, while a further £141m will come from city and county councils.

Plans will have to go through a public inquiry. Construction is set to start in 2010 with trams running by 2013.

The current one line network, run by Nottingham Express Transit (NET), was judged the best in the UK by The Institution of Civil Engineers, earlier this month.

Pollution concern

But Gordon Court of the Environment Not Trams group, said the trams are less environmentally friendly than buses or cars as they use electricity produced by power stations that produce a lot of pollution.

He said more than 70% of users of the first tram line are people who formerly used the public bus service.

He said other groups such as Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Royal Society for Protection of Birds have also opposed the expansion.

I'm absolutely thrilled that the government has endorsed the case we put to them for more tram lines

John Taylor, NET chairman

Mr Alexander said: "The Nottingham tram has been a great success in encouraging people on to public transport.

"These extensions provide the opportunity to continue this success and give people in the south of Nottingham quicker, more convenient access to the city centre."

Councillor John Taylor, chairman of the NET development board, said: "This announcement is hugely significant for Nottingham.

"I'm absolutely thrilled that the government has endorsed the case we put to them for more tram lines as well as backing it up with funding."

Public inquiry

The Chilwell and Beeston route will go from the railway station to the south west of the city.

It will serve the Meadows residential area, the NG2 development site, the Queen's Medical Centre, the University of Nottingham, Beeston town centre and Chilwell, terminating at a new park-and-ride site serving the A52, close to junction 25 of the M1.

The Clifton route will go from the railway station to the south of the city.

The second route will serve the Meadows area, the Wilford/Ruddington Lane area and the Clifton Estate, terminating at a new park and ride site serving the A453.

A public inquiry on the plans is expected to take place towards the end of 2007.

Further planning approval will also be necessary before the scheme gets the final go ahead.

[Furrydice]

Well done Metrolink for getting the "exclusive"

I know Im biased but the people at NET really seem to know what they're doing. Line 1 works brilliantly well and the future plans for the NETwork will take things to a whole new level - it really will be the best and most integrated public transport system outside of London.

[Metrolink]

from the DfT...

25/10/2006 09:53


Department for Transport (National)

Nottingham tram extension gets first Government go-ahead



Plans to extend the Nottingham tram moved a step closer today when Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander gave programme entry approval to the scheme and announced that Government will contribute £437m.

The two extensions are planned to go to Chilwell/Beeston and Clifton, linking directly into Line One at Nottingham Station.

Today's decision will now allow Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to undertake detailed design for the scheme, and apply for statutory powers.

Subject to planning powers being granted, and that the other conditions of funding approval are satisfied, including costs being kept under control, construction of the extensions could start in 2010.

Douglas Alexander said:

"The Nottingham tram has been a great success in encouraging people onto public transport. These extensions provide the opportunity to continue this success, and give people in the south of Nottingham quicker, more convenient access to the city centre.

"We're still at an early stage in the approval process, but we will continue to work with the Nottingham authorities so they can deliver a tram that is attractive to passengers and value for money for the taxpayer."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The first line of Nottingham Express Transit (NET) opened in March 2004. The total cost was £200m, of which Government provided £174m in PFI credits.

2. The Government's contribution to the extension scheme is capped at £437million in PFI credits. In addition, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council will fund £141million.

3. The Chilwell and Beeston route would go from the railway station to the south west of the city. It would serve the Meadows residential area, the ng2 development site, the region's main hospital at the Queens Medical Centre, the University of Nottingham, Beeston town centre and Chilwell, terminating at a new park and ride site serving the A52, close to junction 25 of the M1.

4. The Clifton route would go from the railway station to the south of the City. It would serve the densely populated residential areas, including the Meadows, Wilford/Ruddington Lane area and the Clifton Estate, terminating at a new park and ride site serving the A453.

5. The scheme has been granted Programme Entry, which is DfT's initial approval stage. The next step is for the promoters to seek Transport and Works Act (TWA) powers. If TWA powers are granted, the scheme will be considered for Conditional Approval, which would then allow the scheme to start procurement. Full approval will only be granted following procurement when firm costs are known.

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Client ref 112

GNN ref 139613P

[Rational Plan]

I wonder if relatively quick decision reflects the fact the fact that old Mr Indecision, Mr Darling is no longer transport secretary.

[Metrolink]

Relatively quick decision???????

They've been waiting well over two years for a decision - the government have had all the information they needed for expansion since just after line 1 opened.

This is anything but a quick decision.


It's also going to be 6 years until they actually see trams running (similar, but not quite as bad in Manchester).

We have SO MUCH red tape and obstacles in the way of projects in this country.