The Nottingham tram started a a full service on Tuesday

The first journey taking fare paying passengers was tram 203 which arrived at the Phoenix Park stop at just before 0600 GMT on Tuesday.

It was the first time a working tram has been in use in the city since 1936.

Transport bosses claim the trams, which have been delayed twice before Tuesday's opening, represent the start of a new era for travel.

The first fee paying passenger, John Townsend from Mapperley, said: "It's an historic occasion because it is the first one in 50 years.

There was all these people in front of me - so I got off 'Anna' first Tram fare dodger

"I didn't think anyone else would be mad enough to get up at six o'clock to travel on the first tram in Nottingham but there were a few people here."

The BBC has also spoken to the first tram fare dodger.

It happened at Highbury Vale when 'Anna' from Bulwell hopped onboard and travelled three stops without paying.

She said: "There was about a hundred folks all waiting there and it got really exciting.

"Then the tram came and I thought I might as well get on it, but I hadn't paid any money.

"I said to the chap in front of me where do I pay?

"I didn't have my pass with me, so I thought I've got a couple of pound in my pocket.

"He said the conductor will come round and of course there was all these people in front of me - so I got off."

Ministerial opening

Line one, the first complete route, serves the north of the city with interchanges at three stations.

Planning for the network began back in 1988, with funding for the Nottingham Express Transit (NET) secured ten years later.

It has opened after five years of construction and months of testing.

The public opening follows the official launch on Monday which was attended by Transport Secretary, Alistair Darling.

He travelled with several local dignitaries on a service to the old Market Square where he laid a plaque.

Line one runs between Nottingham city centre and Hucknall.

The tram system uses 15 vehicles, each of which can accommodate 190 passengers.