Expanding the tram network in the city
Why we want to expand the tram network
Edinburgh’s population is growing at three times the rate of Scotland. More people want to live, work and study in the city. In addition, Edinburgh is at the heart of a growing city region. Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan (CMP) targets a 30% reduction in car kilometres and being net carbon zero by 2030. To achieve this, we have to continually look at ways of improving our public transport provision. Extending the tram network alongside closer working between Edinburgh Tram and Lothian Buses are key elements to achieving these targets.
Consultation on the CMP shows that 62% of residents want to see an expansion to the Edinburgh Tram network. In addition, both the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have identified expansion of the tram network as a national and regional investment priority.
Why we won't just deploy more buses
. Tram delivers better quality, capacity, journey time and journey time reliability. Lothian Buses will continue to play a crucial role in the delivery of public transport provision 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.
Why we have chosen Granton to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and the Bioquarter and beyond as the next route for expansion
Based on a high-level appraisal of benefits, including an assessment of future development opportunities, Granton and the South-East via BioQuarter corridors scored more strongly than other potential routes at this time. The longer-term aspiration for the city is to continue to develop public transport.