Why we are proposing to extend the tram network
Our City Mobility Plan consultation found that
- 65% of people want to see an expansion of the tram network
- 83% want to see a general improvement to public transport in the city.
Tram and bus, integrated with rail, all have key roles to play in the future transport provision for the city and the region and the creation of a north-south route would help develop a more comprehensive tram network in the city and into the region.
The current tram network carries over 12 million passengers a year and closely cooperates with Lothian and other bus operators to provide award-winning public transport across the city.
We need to continually improve public transport in the city as it is a much more efficient way to move people around than private vehicles. Maximising the number of people using public transport, and *mass transit in particular, will free up valuable road space for
- buses
- taxis
- those who rely on vehicles for personal and business reasons
- the movement of goods.
*Mass transit is a large-scale public transport system operating on a defined route, such as trams or bus rapid transit.
We need to do this because Edinburgh and the city region
- is projected to grow three-times as fast as the rest of Scotland
- is one of the fastest growing regions in the UK
- and welcomes many visitors and tourists
Download and read the Background and Decision Context Technical Note (PDF).
Download and read the Strategic Rationale Technical Note (PDF).
Addressing climate change
Transport is a major source of carbon emissions which contributes to climate change and private vehicles are one of the largest contributors. According to the Department of Transport 80% of vehicle mileage in Edinburgh comes from private vehicles and taxis.
Our City Mobility Plan targets a 30% reduction in car kilometres, contributing to the wider net zero city goal by 2030. Tram as part of wider regional improvements to public transport is key to achieving these targets.
Future development and economic growth
Improved transport links mean that new developments can be built more quickly and at higher densities. A north to south tram route will connect major housing and employment zones in the city including
- Granton
- Western General Hospital
- the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
- Shawfair
with
- Edinburgh Airport
- Edinburgh Park
- the city centre
The proposed new route is safeguarded as part of the Local Development Plan 2030 and forms part of the Scottish Government's National Planning Framework 4. Granton Waterfront has been built on the assumption a tram connection will be provided to support a low-car and sustainable development area.
Download and read the Economic Rationale for the tram (PDF).
Connecting to healthcare
- The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Eye Pavillion at Little France are forecast to treat over 200,000 patients each year.
- At the Western General there were over 40,000 operations and 20,000 minor injury patients were treated last year.
- SEStran, the Regional Transport Partnership for South-East Scotland, estimates that between 18 to 20 million visits are made to hospitals or other healthcare services each year in the city region.
Why we won't just deploy more buses
have shown that tram is the best solution for this route supported by further bus priority and bus rapid transit schemes.
Tram delivers high capacity public transport with frequent and reliable journey times. Lothian Buses will continue to play a crucial role in delivering public transport in the city, integrating more closely with Edinburgh Trams. At both a national and regional level, the expansion of trams in Edinburgh has been identified as an investment priority.
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