Nottingham Express Transit (NET) is to increase its ticket prices from next Monday (1 July).

Increases will apply across most ticket types, including:

• adult single tickets to increase by 10p, from £3.20 to £3.30
• day adult ticket to increase by 10p, from £5.30 to £5.40
• weekly adult ticket to increase by 50p, from £23.00 to £23.50
• group off-peak ticket to increase by 50p, from £8.50 to £9.00.

The average price increase is a little over five per cent. There are two tickets, the price of which will remain the same: group peak and short-hop tickets.

NET, which will close one of its lines for maintenance work next month, explains that the price rises will help to fund its plans for more investment in the network, and to continue providing accessible, sustainable and convenient transport for tram users across Nottingham.

It also argues that high energy costs, and the government’s decision to extend the £2 bus (but not tram) fare cap for buses until the end of 2024, have contributed to the price rises.

NET points out that it offers discounts to tram users, including discounts for students during freshers’ weeks for both Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham.

Students can get the discount on tram travel for the academic year.

Other ongoing discounts include a reduced U19 Academic Pass, suitable for Nottingham school, sixth form and college students, and NET’s discounted January annual pass, which allows tram users to access savings during the year ahead.

Further information about the fare rises is available here.

“It’s never an easy decision to increase our fares, but we’re always looking for ways to provide as much value as possible for our customers. Over the past year alone, we’ve been able to offer huge discounts across a range of ticket types to help make life that little bit easier for our customers.

“Last year also saw us introduce our new ‘Tap On, Tap Off’ Short Hop travel option, which allows tram users to access discounted short hop travel around the city for just £1.50 by simply tapping their bank card or contactless mobile payment device on the validator at each stop, and again when they get off. And, we’re pleased to say that this ticket type will not be facing a price increase, meaning tram users travelling within our short hop zones can still see all the city has to offer for less than the price of a coffee.

“Over the past 20 years, the tram network has become an integral part of life for the thousands of tram users across the city who rely on it for days out, their commute to work, or for travel to their place of study. We’re always committed to ensuring we provide our customers with the very best service. These recent fare changes will not only allow us to do just that but will also mean we can continue offering a convenient and low-carbon public transport option for tram users for years to come.

“Our fare adjustments also follow the ongoing external pressures we face as a result of the current economic landscape, high energy costs and inflation. However, we’re also facing ongoing pressures due to the extension of the Government’s £2 capped bus fares which other transport providers are able to reap the benefits of, but sadly don’t currently include trams.”

Andrew Conroy, NET chief operating officer