NET haven't confirmed or provided any hard data or models on the calculations of patronage for the CW Route. But they have rejected the CQD route, which would have provided citizens the benefit of access to key work and shopping areas as well as linking park and ride facilities.

In fact, patronage details for the CW route are unproven., Looking at the tram stops to be provided, they would serve few local passengers and would mean that the great majority of people would have to walk in excess of 500m to get to them. The low patronage potential from the CW route catchment is reflected in the current bus services, which have been reduced drastically due to very low passenger numbers in the area.

This is reflected in the current bus service, which has been reduced drastically due to very low passenger numbers in the area.

How NET thinks it will be providing a service for large numbers of travellers, and yet doesn't back it up with justifiable and verifiable patronage figures, has lead to real concern over the viability of the CW Route.

Another significant consideration is that residents to the north east, east, and south east of the City and County will have very little access to the tram yet they may end up paying dearly for it in their local taxes. Is this fair and justifiable?