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Railhub Archive
2002-08-13 DfT-001
Department for Transport0
All aboard - Minister for Transport helps test drive new tram
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  All aboard - Minister for Transport helps test drive new tram
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type Press release
On-track and on schedule, the first of Nottingham's new trams rolled off the production line and onto the test track today (Tuesday, August 13) where it was greeted by Minister for Transport John Spellar.
The tram is the first of a fleet of new vehicles being built by Bombardier Transportation at its factory in Litchchurch Lane, Derby, as part the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) project, which will take to the city's streets in November 2003.
Minister for Transport John Spellar officially launched the tram before stepping aboard to ride it for himself along the factory's test track.
Congratulating the project on its success so far, he said:
"An estimated 11 million passengers are expected to use the NET each year and I am pleased that I could be one of the first.
"Developing sustainable transport links is vital in tackling increasing problems of pollution and congestion on our cities' streets and also getting workers to Nottingham's growing city centre.
"This project will, not only help encourage drivers out of their cars but, also act as a catalyst for the regeneration of areas of Nottingham most in need, including those areas of high unemployment being targeted by the New Deal for Communities (NDC)."
The 14km network for phase one of the NET is currently under construction and on schedule and will run between Hucknall in north Nottingham and Nottingham Railway Station, crossing the city centre.
On time and on budget, the £180 million project has been achieved through Nottingham's City Council working in partnership with private consortia the Arrow- light Rail Group, which includes rail-builder Bombardier, through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI).
Press Enquires: 020 7944 3232
Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292
E-mail: press@odpm-dft.gov.uk
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 3000
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk
Railhub Archive ::: 2002-08-13 DfT-001
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