YOU might have to wait two years, but the tram might well be the quickest way into the city centre.
Three Post reporters travelled from Compton Acres and Beeston to the city centre during rush hour on a bicycle, bus and car in an attempt to beat the projected times of the new trams.
And while the bike finished on top of the podium both times on the day, the tram might still be the quickest route once it is up and running in late 2014.
From Beeston it is due to take no more than 20 minutes to reach the train station, and from Compton Acres no more than 10.
All modes of transport used by Post reporters took longer for both journeys.
City councillor Jane Urquhart said: "The new tram routes were very carefully chosen to achieve the best possible journey times. The advantage of fixed rail over other forms of transport is that the corridors are usually more direct and the trams have priority over other modes of transport at crucial junctions.
"Keeping as much of the route off the highway is deliberate to avoid the tram getting caught up in traffic."
On the route from Compton Acres to the Post's offices on Tollhouse Hill, the bike completed the journey in 16 minutes, a car in 26 and the bus in 31 minutes.
Equally, on the route from Beeston, the bike took 26 minutes, the car 33 and the bus 38 minutes.
However, the results showing the bike is currently the fastest way from A to B did not sway some commuters.
Matt Clark, 32, of Main Road, Wilford, takes the bus to the train station as part of his commute to Leicester.
He said: "It's interesting that a bike is faster than the bus and car – but I suppose that makes sense during rush hour when the roads are slow.
"I don't think I'll change how I get to work and start cycling because I would still have to lock my bike up at the station, but it certainly makes you think.
"When the tram's built, I'll probably take that – public transport is fast and not that expensive. If it is faster and costs a similar amount, then there's no reason not to."
David Thornhill, chairman of Notts Campaign for Better Transport, said: "The results of this add weight to the reasons why the tram is being built.
"It will be quick, efficient, and have the ability to transport a lot of people – it will also have priority at points, so it will go from A to B quicker.
"What I would like to see is priority given to buses along certain pinch points too."
Tell us your views. Write to Nottingham Post, City Gate, Tollhouse Hill, Nottingham, NG1 5FS or e-mail newsdesk@nottinghampostgroup.co.uk.