THE standard of bus services in Beeston proves there is no need for a new tram line in the town, residents claim.
Work on laying the new line through the town towards Chilwell is set to start next year.
But people living nearby have questioned if it is necessary.
More than 100 people attended a drop-in session last night at Beeston Town Hall where they were able to find out more information.
Representatives from tram operators Nottingham Express Transit, the city council and the Taylor Woodrow Alstom consortium, which will be doing the work, were there to answer questions.
Richard Moulds, 37, who lives in Beeston and runs a catering consultancy, said: "I'm not totally against the tram but I have to question if it is worth the money. We have a very good bus service here and the train as well.
"They say it will take 23 minutes to get to the city on the tram – you can get there in about the same on the bus."
The new tram lines to Chilwell and Clifton are costing more than £500 million.
Fellow Beeston resident Daniel Robinson, 39, also questioned its worth.
He said: "There is going to be a lot of disruption with the roads being dug up. I like the idea of the tram, but then you have to think that in Beeston we have such a good bus service."
Chris Deas, project director at the city council, said the tram would be a massive boost to Beeston.
He said: "We do have a good existing transport network, but so does the rest of the city where the tram serves. It will complement this nicely."
He added: "The drop-in session has been designed so people can see how the work will be done and the end result. We are keen to hear feedback."
There were several information boards in the room. They included a detailed map of the new tram route.
Cyril Lakin, 73, of Beeston, said: "Everything seems to be done and dusted so I don't know why they're holding the event." His wife Fran said: "It's good to see where everything is going to go and how it's going to fall into place."
Traders in Beeston have previously expressed concerns about Chilwell Road being closed for a year from March to allow for the construction.
