By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottingham’s tram network operator has carried out almost 900 operations to tackle anti-social behaviour and ensure customers are paying for their tickets.
NET will provide councillors with an update on its performance during a meeting held on Tuesday, March 15.
Between November 2021 to the end of January 2022, NET says there has been 92.3 per cent reliability and 90.4 per cent punctuality on its network.
Ticket vending machines have been upgraded across the network, bringing in systems which are easier to read.
Season ticket fares also increased in January, with an adult now paying £60 rather than £55 for a month of travel, with an annual pass rising from £525 to £550.
There were also rises to student and under-19 fares, with an annual pass for students rising from £275 to £300 and for under-19s from £262.50 to £275.
NET said patrols have also increased to ensure tickets are checked and to prevent anti-social behaviour happening across the trams.
Trevor Stocker, head of operations at Nottingham Trams, said: “In response to a slight increase in reports of anti-social behaviour, particularly in the Clifton area, we have worked with Clifton police to tackle the problem.
“A planned policing operation, which took place during the evening of January 17, provided further reassurance for tram users, and two arrests were made during the operation.
“Further intervention work with young people is being undertaken, with our support, by the Pythian Club, a youth organisation which aims to channel young people away from anti-social behaviour into more productive outcomes.
“There has recently been a noticeable decrease in the level of reported anti-social behaviour in the Clifton area, and work continues to maintain this trend.
“Almost 900 community protection activities were carried out on board trams during the period, with assistance also provided in carrying out revenue protection operations, where tickets are checked.”
There have been some incidents which have affected the network over the period, which have been reported to the council.
There was “a significant increase” in Covid cases within the business over the Christmas and New Year period, impacting on service levels due to staff availability.
In November, tram services were also affected by 24-hour strike action from GMB members as part of a pay dispute. A pay agreement was reached on December 16.
On Sunday, November 28, Seven Trent Water required a partial closure of the Toton Line to make emergency repairs to a damaged sewer pipe.
On January 25, minor track repairs were carried out following routine checks near Butlers Hill. While the repairs were being carried out, trams were operated through the southbound platform at Butlers Hill to minimise disruption to passengers.
On January 31, a large fire occurred at a scrapyard in Dunkirk, which resulted in multiple road closures in the area. This led to significant traffic congestion, as vehicles were diverted from the area, resulting in delays to the service.