Bombardier Incentro AT6/5
| Company type | Tram model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rail transport |
| Predecessor | ADtranz Incentro |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | ADtranz |
| Fate | Manufacturing completed by Bombardier Transportation after acquisition of ADtranz in 2001 |
Area served | Nottingham, UK; Nantes, France |
| Products | Light rail trams (AT6/5 model) |
| Parent | Bombardier Transportation |
Incentro AT6/5
The Bombardier Incentro trams were initially developed and manufactured by ADtranz for the Tramway de Nantes during 2000–2001. The AT6/5 model, operated by Nottingham Express Transit (NET), closely resembles the original but is shorter by 3.4 metres. In 2000, ADtranz secured the contract to build the NET tram system and supply 15 vehicles. Prior to production, however, Bombardier Transportation acquired ADtranz in 2001 and completed the manufacturing process between 2002 and 2003. These trams commenced operations on 9 March 2004, running on a 750-volt DC power supply with a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). Each tram consists of five articulated sections and measures 33 metres in length and 2.4 metres in width.
Names
From the outset, the trams were dedicated to prominent local personalities. Their names are displayed via vinyl decals positioned on diagonally opposite corners of the exterior and initially also appeared above the front right-hand windows.
- 201 Torvill & Dean. Named through a poll by listeners of local radio station Trent FM. Celebrates Nottingham’s Olympic Gold Medal-winning ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who achieved perfect "6.0" scores at the 1984 Winter Olympics.
- 202 D. H. Lawrence. Nottinghamshire-born novelist from Eastwood, famed for works such as "Lady Chatterley's Lover" and "Sons and Lovers".
- 203 William "Bendigo" Thompson. Selected by viewers of East Midlands Today. Noted bare-knuckle boxing champion.
- 204 Erica Beardsmore. A supporter of Nottingham In Bloom from Hyson Green.
- 205 Lord Byron. Chosen by East Midlands Today audience members. Renowned poet from Nottinghamshire.
- 206 Angela Alcock. Voted for by readers of the Nottingham Evening Post. Local Oxfam fundraiser.
- 207 Mavis Worthington. Named by Nottingham Evening Post readers. Volunteer with Homestart.
- 208 Dinah Minton. Founder of the Headway charity.
- 209 Sid Standard (renamed from Sydney Standard following public request). Nominated by readers of the Nottingham Evening Post. Operated a bike shop in Beeston for nearly three decades and served as President of Beeston Road Club; reputed to have cycled over half a million miles.
- 210 Sir Jesse Boot. Selected by listeners of BBC Radio Nottingham. Founder of the Boots pharmacy chain.
- 211 Robin Hood. Voted for by viewers of East Midlands Today. Legendary figure associated with Nottingham.
- 212 William Booth. Founder of the Salvation Army.
- 213 Mary Potter. Chosen by BBC Radio Nottingham listeners. Established the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary.
- 214 Dennis McCarthy MBE. Former presenter at BBC Radio Nottingham.
- 215 Brian Clough. Selected by Trent FM listeners. Football manager who led Nottingham Forest F.C. to two European Cup victories.
Refurbishment
In December 2012, NET revealed plans to refurbish its tram fleet, updating both their interior designs and exterior liveries. Tram number 215 was the first vehicle to be refurbished, re-entering service on 8 March 2013, followed sequentially by trams 214, 213, 205, 202, and 203.
The newly acquired fleet of 22 Alstom Citadis 302 trams for network expansion incorporated this refreshed livery style. The refurbishment strategy corresponded with design concepts published in June 2012, maintaining consistent seating layouts.
A subsequent refurbishment program for Incentro trams commenced in 2019 beginning with tram 203. This effort involved mechanical upgrades alongside a refreshed paint scheme designed to harmonize the appearance of Incentro vehicles with that of the Citadis fleet.