Trams suspended across Nottingham as strike action starts
Nottingham’s tram network has been brought to a halt after around 200 staff began strike action in a dispute over pay, leaving no services running across the city on the opening weekend of Goose Fair.
Netherlands-based Nottingham Express Transit (NET) has confirmed there will be no trams operating on Saturday 26 September and Sunday 27 September while members of the GMB union take industrial action. Further walkouts are planned for the weekend of Friday 2 October and Saturday 3 October, meaning services will again be suspended on those days.
| Strike period | Times |
|---|---|
| First wave | 5am, 26 Sept — 5am, 28 Sept |
| Second wave | 5am, 2 Oct — 5am, 4 Oct |
Events and wider disruption
NET said trams are due to serve all stops between Monday 28 September and Thursday 1 October, but warned the strike will affect two major calendar fixtures that fall within the period of industrial action: Goose Fair and the Robin Hood Half Marathon. The city is also in the middle of Freshers’ Week, when students normally rely on public transport to get around.
The company said it had made the difficult decision to run no service on strike days because it would be safer to suspend operations than to attempt a limited service with reduced staffing levels.
Union and operator statements
"GMB members have been left with few options, as Nottingham's tram bosses point blank refused to listen to their own workforce. Goose Fair is peak time for our tram network, with tens of thousands set to descend on Nottingham for the weeklong celebration. Our door is always open, but tram bosses are fast running out of track to get this fixed."
The comment above was issued by Colin Whyatt, GMB's regional organiser, calling for NET management to return to talks.
"Following GMB’s decision to strike and target the popular Goose Fair event, it has meant that we’ll sadly not be able to run any tram service for four days while strike action takes place. This is an incredibly disappointing outcome, and we know many tram users will share our disappointment."
Sarah Turner, managing director at NET, said the strike would also affect Freshers’ Week and the Robin Hood Half Marathon, and warned of increased traffic as attendees and commuters switch from trams to other modes.
Practical implications for residents and visitors
Commuters, students and visitors are being advised to plan alternative travel for the affected days. Operators of bus services, taxi companies and private hire firms may see increased demand, particularly around the city centre and transport hubs. Local businesses near major event sites could experience a mix of reduced footfall from tram-dependant customers and higher passer-by numbers from those choosing other routes into the city.
- Dates with no tram service: 26–27 September and 2–3 October (service suspension runs to 5am the following days).
- Services expected to run: 28 September–1 October (normal timetable).
- Events affected: Goose Fair, Freshers’ Week and Robin Hood Half Marathon.
Next steps and potential impacts
Both sides have publicly signalled a willingness to talk. The GMB has framed the dispute as a refusal by management to listen to staff concerns, while NET has emphasised safety and the impracticality of operating a limited service. Until negotiations make progress, the city faces significant disruption over the next two weekends.
City leaders, event organisers and transport planners will need to co-ordinate to manage increased road traffic, to provide clear travel advice, and to support businesses affected by the sudden change in visitor movement. For many Nottingham residents — particularly students and those without convenient alternative travel — the strike will present a practical challenge for getting to work, study and venues during what are usually busy weekends.
We will update readers as any further statements or negotiation developments are announced by the GMB or NET.
