New Vision Sets Out Ambitious Tram Network for Derby

A transport advocacy group has unveiled plans for a potential new tram network in Derby, setting out a vision it says could transform travel across the city and beyond.

The Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) has published a blueprint proposing four tram lines linking major employment, education and healthcare hubs, including the city centre, Royal Derby Hospital, Rolls-Royce, Infinity Park and Nottingham’s existing tram system.

The proposal, which carries an estimated price tag of around £405 million, has been submitted as part of the East Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority’s (EMMCA) 12-week “Big Transport Conversation” consultation. The exercise is feeding into a new 15-year regional transport strategy, backed by more than £2bn of government funding over the next six years.

According to the LRTA, a tram system could play a key role in reducing congestion, cutting emissions and supporting regeneration, particularly as Derby continues to grow.

David Gibson, the association’s East Midlands regional officer, said a light rail system would offer greater long-term benefits than major road schemes.

“A tram network could change the way Derby works,” he said. “It would serve the places people actually need to get to – major employers, hospitals and education sites – while easing pressure on the road network and delivering environmental gains.”

Under the proposals, one line would run west from the Wyvern area through the city centre to Royal Derby Hospital, continuing to Mickleover and Mackworth along the former Great Northern Railway corridor. A second route would connect employment zones including Rolls-Royce in Sinfin, Infinity Park, Chellaston and Alvaston, before rejoining the main line near the Wyvern.

A third branch would link the University of Derby’s campuses with residential areas such as Allestree, while a fourth line would extend eastwards to connect Derby with Nottingham’s NET tram network via Spondon, Borrowash, Draycott, Breaston and Long Eaton.

Gibson said the case for a tram system had strengthened since similar ideas were previously rejected more than a decade ago.

“Derby has expanded significantly, particularly on its outskirts, where public transport options remain limited,” he said. “A high-capacity, reliable system operating at peak times could take large volumes of traffic off the roads and support the city’s future growth.”

However, regional transport leaders have cautioned that delivering such a network would not be straightforward. Andrew Pritchard, director of policy and infrastructure at East Midlands Councils, described the proposal as ambitious but highlighted the complexity and cost involved in building tram systems.

“The relocation of underground utilities is often the single biggest cost challenge,” he said, adding that alternative technologies such as very light rail – currently being explored in Coventry – could offer more affordable options in the short term.

Pritchard also noted that linking Derby to Nottingham by tram would be particularly challenging, suggesting that incremental improvements to existing public transport may be needed to build demand before committing to such a large investment.

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said the consultation was designed to gather ideas of all scales and encouraged residents and organisations to contribute.

“This is about understanding how people want to move around the region in the future,” she said. “Every submission helps shape a transport plan that connects communities, remains affordable and is fit for the long term.”

The consultation closes on 8 February, with feedback informing a draft transport strategy due to be presented to the EMMCA board later this year.