Nottingham Corporation Tramways - 1915 - First Women Employed As Conductresses

First Women Employed As Conductresses

This new service was also numbered 9, being linked with the Derby Road section and thus providing the longest run the city, all over new track. Previously, Arnold had been served by a bus service operated by John Bradhury, whose call for compensation failed. By this time many of the motormen and conductors had enlisted, so in order to operate a satisfactory service to Arnold it was necessary to reduce the frequency of the service along Wilford Road. This depleted service lasted for some 16 months.

In March, a driver dropped dead at Bulwell Depot just before he was due to take a car out. Consequently all drivers were required to be medically examined periodically. A further noteworthy incident at Bulwell at this time occurred when an officer stationed at Bulwell Hall commandeered a tramcar standing at Bulwell Market Place to take 17 men to Victoria Station. This created quite a stir, for if such occasions occurred frequently the service would be thrown into disorder. From this time soldiers were carried at half fare, a later concession being the issue of prepaid ½d. and 1d. passes to wounded soldiers.

Owing to the war and consequent lack of materials, it was impossible to construct the tramways to Beeston as originally intended. Much of the proposed route, which was to have been along a private right of way on approximately the line of University Boulevard, had been pegged out. A three-year extension of powers to build the line was granted.

During the summer, blinds were fitted over the ends of all cars with normal staircases, so that when it rained or the sun shone directly into the driver’s eyes he could pull down this blind and gain a little protection. These blinds were fitted because of complaints from drivers that they had no protection at all from the weather on cars of this type, whereas they did gain a little protection on those fitted with reversed stairs.

The number of men enlisting increased considerably, their places being taken by women employed as conductresses, the first starting about October 1915. Some 18 months later a visit was made by the Manager and others to Glasgow to see women working as tramcar drivers. They formed the opinion that this was not desirable in Nottingham. Track replacements took place during the year on the Arkwright Street, Bulwell and Mapperley sections, while the centre poles were replaced by side poles and span wires on Parliament Street and King Edward Street.

By October, traffic had fallen off considerably during the evening, the service being terminated at 11 p.m. Six months later this was amended to 10.30 p.m. because of air raid dangers, and, in October 1916, to 10 p.m.

Despite the war, the Royal Show was held at Wollaton Park in 1915, special cars being operated on the Derby Road service at a fare of 3d.