Tram service stayed on track despite number of ‘incidents’
JULY A ‘CHALLENGING’ MONTH FOR NET THANKS TO COVID AND OTHER FACTORS
NOTTINGHAM’S trams were hit by a number of incidents which hit reliability in July.
According to a progress update from NET (which operates the trams) to Nottingham City Council, reliability and punctuality dropped but remained above 90 percent throughout the month.
The reliability figure, despite a challenging month, stood at 92.91 percent while punctuality was 91.67 percent.
One of the largest factors which hit the performance of tram services was coronavirus and the isolation rules.
Those who were pinged by the Covid-19 mobile app had to self-isolate for up to 10 days, and while this has since been reformed so those who are double-jabbed no longer have to isolate, thousands of people, organisations and businesses were adversely affected at the time.
The impact on NET was no different. In the performance update NET says: “Like many other large organisations, NET saw an increase in employees contacted through the Government’s test and trace app, which has impacted on service performance.
“In some cases, employees have been alerted by track and trace to isolate during their shifts, meaning they are sent home immediately with limited opportunities to find replacements at very short notice.
“July was the most challenging month in 2021 so far, when absenteeism reached a peak of 53 people not at work, of which 30 were drivers.
“At one point, 12 of the
23 control room staff were also asked to self-isolate, and on one occasion this resulted in a brief suspension of services – from 20.30 on Friday, July 9, until the following morning.
“Covid-safe working practices introduced during the pandemic helped to mitigate against more severe disruptions.”
NET also says three “significant emergency services incidents” impacted the performance of its services during July.
On Saturday, July 3, a cordon was set up by Nottinghamshire Police upon the discovery of an artillery shell at Wilford Toll Bridge.
A few days later, on the evening of July 9, police taped off Radford Road in Hyson Green following reports of a stabbing.
NET says the incident caused “significant disruption on the network”.
The third major incident which impacted service performance was a fire at a block of flats in Noel Street.
Eight fire crews attended at the time, severely disrupting services.
The Euro celebrations in Old Market Square also impacted services temporarily on a number of occasions.
NET added: “During July the European Football Championships culminated with England reaching the finals.
“Due to large crowds gathering in Old Market Square following each game, the police requested trams to pause services for a short period for two separate matches. “The final, which was held on the evening of Sunday 13th, went on to penalties, disrupting last trips. Two additional tram services were operated from the depot to Toton Lane and Clifton South to ensure all customers got home.”
At one point, 12 of the 23 control room staff were also asked to self-isolate
NET spokesperson