Transform Scotland have today, in alliance with Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, called for Edinburgh Councillors to vote to deliver the tram to St Andrew Square as a springboard for a wider light rail network for the city.
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and Transform Scotland have issued a joint briefing on the project – available here.
Paul Tetlaw from Transform Scotland said:
“Having now read the report from the Edinburgh’s Director of City Development, our conclusion is that the Councillors should commit to taking the tram line to St Andrew Square.
“The reasons for building the the tram system remain as strong as ever. The need to meet climate change targets, rising oil prices, improving air quality and reducing congestion are all key drivers.
“These very same reasons have led cities around the world towards building tram systems as a key element of their public transport infrastructure.
“In continental Europe alone, in the last five years more than 35 new systems have been built or are under construction.
“Political opinions have been divided. However, we are where we are, and those same politicians must now find a way forward. If they fail then the consequences for Edinburgh’s transport infrastructure will be dire indeed.
“Scotland’s reputation for delivering major engineering projects lies in the balance so we must all hope that sense prevails.”
Transform Scotland say the key benefits of a St Andrew Square terminus include:
- That the trams will run at a surplus;
- The contractor will fully fund the reinstatement of Princes Street;
- That it provides a springboard for completion to Newhaven & further extensions to the network.
In contrast, to terminate the line at Haymarket makes ‘no sense’ as:
- It fails to reach Princes Street, the heart of the city, and the city’s key retail destination;
- It fails to provide transport integration with the main bus and rail stations;
- The Council could find itself in the position of having to meet the cost for Princes Street reinstatement.
