Trams: The backbone of sustainable urban mobility

Trams are more than just a way to get around—they’re a backbone of modern, sustainable cities. Efficient, eco-friendly, and perfect for busy urban streets, they reduce congestion and make city life easier for everyone.

Why cities love trams:

  • High-capacity, smooth transport for busy routes
  • Low emissions for cleaner air
  • Connect communities and boost local economies

When Nottingham needed a modern, reliable ticketing solution, Cammax delivered – improving passenger experience and making travel smarter, simpler and more efficient.

From Outdated to Outstanding: Cammax Modern TVMs Elevate Passenger Experience in Nottingham

In 2020, Nottingham Express Transit (NET), the city’s tram operator, initiated a project to replace its ageing Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) network, comprising 118 units, in collaboration with multiple suppliers. Following a rigorous tender process, Cammax was selected to design, manufacture, and install the replacement machines. The tram network, key to Nottingham’s transport infrastructure, supports the regeneration of six major areas, serves two of the three largest employers in Greater Nottingham, and provides access to 20 of the 30 largest employers—serving approximately 55,000 staff.

Challenges

  • The existing TVMs, already long in service, were nearing the end of their life cycle, despite handling approximately 19 million passengers annually before COVID-19.
  • New high-security cash-accepting TVMs had to fit exactly into the existing NET Totems—leaving no room for changes in dimensions, aesthetics, or placement.
  • The machines needed to withstand high volumes of unattended usage, resist vandalism, and prevent cash theft—necessitating robust security and durability.
  • Multiple stakeholder coordination (NET, Nottingham City Council, Tramlink Nottingham) amid evolving working practices, especially due to COVID-19—presented logistical and planning delays.

Objectives

  • Deliver modern, secure TVMs compatible with existing street furniture, retaining high functionality without altering infrastructure.
  • Ensure exceptional durability against vandalism and theft while enabling real-time monitoring and maintenance oversight.
  • Seamlessly integrate multiple stakeholders—operator, concessionaire, and council—in design, testing, installation, and commissioning.
  • Elevate the passenger experience with machines that inspire confidence and preference over the previous models.

Solution

  • Cammax engineered a bespoke housing using stainless steel that fit precisely into NET’s existing Totems, while preserving essential high-security components including a 10-point locking system, reinforced armoured panels, drill-detect plates, and rugged cash handling mechanisms.
  • An intelligent monitoring module was embedded in each unit—feeding real-time alerts on jams, movement, or performance issues to a central system, enabling proactive maintenance.
  • A dedicated project manager and in-house Cammax team led the end-to-end process—from detailed design and manufacturing through testing, installation, and commissioning—working closely with Nottingham Trams Limited, Tramlink Nottingham, and the City Council.
A person uses a touchscreen ticket machine. The screen displays colourful options for various ticket types. The person holds a smartphone, indicating multitasking.

Outcomes

  • The TVMs were successfully deployed across the tram network with strong stakeholder collaboration.
  • Customer satisfaction soared - over 90% of respondents in a recent survey preferred the new machines to the old ones.
  • NET’s Head of Customer Service, Joanne Bentley, praised both the enhanced functionality and the “partnership approach” that ensured a smooth transition, while helping future-proof the tram network.
  • During the Transport Card Forum 2022, NET’s Assistant Commercial Manager highlighted improvements in availability and reliability of ticketing equipment as core project achievements.

Commenting on the project, Joanne Bentley, NET Head of Customer Service said:

“The additional functionality offered by the upgraded TVM’s has certainly been well received by customers and will help to further future-proof Nottingham’s tram network.“

“Furthermore, the partnership approach taken by Cammax – and some innovative solutions to several complex challenges – has helped to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. “