Matchday blow to Nottingham Forest fans as NET cancels key service

Reds fans have been left bitterly disappointed

Tram operator NET has confirmed it's scrapped a free matchday shuttlebus for Nottingham Forest fans heading to the City Ground. It comes after Reds fans said they'd been 'left in the dark', saying the Eventlink buses - which ran from bus stops outside of Nottingham Railway Station - had been a 'no-show' for each of the three opening Premier League fixtures on Trentside.

But NET officials have now confirmed that the service, which picked supporters up from Carrington Street and Arkwright Street, is no more, with the contract with community bus company CT4N having been axed in May, at the end of the previous season.

Alison Sweeney, head of marketing at Nottingham Express Transit (NET), said: "For the last few years, we have funded the matchday Event link bus running from our Nottingham Station tram stop, helping loyal football fans to travel to and from the Nottingham Forest ground throughout the season.

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"At the end of the May 2024 season, we ended our contract with CT4N which means we no longer provide this additional, free-of-charge service. This was effective from when the August 2024 season restarted."

One Reds season card holder described it as a 'real shame'. The 29-year-old man said: "It's disappointing - a real shame. Having used the Eventlink buses for the past few years, it was a really convenient way to get to the ground from the station.

"The buses ran every 10 minutes - and were a bit of a Godsend, especially in incremental weather. They were well-used and you'd see familiar faces on board for each fixture. We felt left in the dark after waiting for the buses this season as they proved a no-show.

"I do hope the powers that be will reconsider the decision as it really was an asset and really handy on a matchday."

The Eventlink buses operated every 10 minutes for two hours before kick-off and an hour after the final whistle. Anyone with a valid tram ticket or concession pass could use the service for free.

Reds fans also reported boarding by showing their Forest season cards. Nuno Espirito Santo's side site 10th in the Premier League table after seven games. The Reds are next in action at home to Crystal Palace on Monday, October 21 (8pm KO).

Nottinghamshire Live attempted to contact CT4N for comment.