Why Edinburgh needs a tram network
Tram Info package (pdf, 1027 kb)
Edinburgh is set to experience huge growth over the coming years. As the population increases, there simply won't be enough road space to provide a necessary level of bus services reliably and efficiently. This will be particularly acute in north Edinburgh.
Buses, though currently providing very effective local public transport, can't provide the speed, quality or capacity to support development on the scale predicted.
By installing a tram system, Edinburgh will be able to transport more people, more quickly and more efficiently. Each tram will carry up to 250 people, compared to a maximum of 120 on a bus. Journeys are quicker as there is a dedicated track, multiple doors for people to get on and get off and on-street ticketing to speed up purchase of fares.
In 2011, about 17% of tram patronage will be new to public transport rising to 20% in 2031. This will help to alleviate growing pressure on our limited road space.
• Edinburgh’s rate of growth is twice the Scottish average and is projected to be higher than any other UK city (except Cardiff) between 2004-2010
• In 2004/5 Edinburgh had the largest net civilian in-migration in Scotland, nearly double the level of any other local authority area
• By 2015, nearly 35,000 new jobs are expected within the city
• By 2015, nearly 24,000 new houses will be needed
• Edinburgh Waterfront is the largest brownfield development in Scotland, equivalent to a major new town in scale. The two major development sites will be able to accommodate up to 29,000 new homes in the longer term
• Due to continued growth, there is predicted to be an extra 5,000 passengers travelling southbound on Leith Walk between 2011 and 2031 in the two hour morning peak period. Catering for the increase in public transport demand would be particularly challenging and could lead to bus congestion in the city centre
• West Edinburgh, identified by the Scottish Executive as a national growth point, is forecast to grow particularly strongly, guided by the West Edinburgh Planning Framework. This area will become on of the major economic centres for Scotland. The presence of the tram, along with other infrastructure, is fundamental to the economy and continued growth in employment for this area
• The city centre and west Edinburgh, the second and fourth largest concentrations of employment in Scotland, are both forecast to see significant increases in jobs.
Benefits of trams
It is anticipated that trams would benefit Edinburgh because the number of residents, visitors and businesses are expanding, especially in key areas such as the Waterfront and west Edinburgh.
While growth is good for our economy, it also means our roads will get busier and journeys longer without a new transport choice. Trams can carry large numbers of people quickly and efficiently.
Trams don’t take up a lot of road space but they do carry a lot of people. As Edinburgh continues to grow, trams will be the most efficient way for people to travel about our city.
• Trams show a city is a modern and well-connected place to do business which can lead to more investment, new jobs, regeneration and more prosperity for us all
• Trams are an attractive option for motorists, with car users likely to be attracted to tram travel. Research shows 20% of peak hour and 50% of weekend tram passengers in the UK previously travelled by car
• Trams enhance the urban environment and generate civic pride
• Trams will encourage shoppers to travel to the city centre which can lead to more investment by businesses and regeneration. Dublin saw a rise of between 20% - 50% in pedestrian footfall figures on Grafton Street, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare. Some retailers reported a 25% increase in trade
• Residential and commercial properties may see prices increase beside tram routes. In some cities with trams, house prices have risen by up to 15% and rental prices by up to 7%
• As trams run on electricity, there will be no emissions from the vehicles themselves
• Trams will be accessible to everyone, with benefits of low level boarding at every stop and other easy-to-use features which particularly help the disabled and less mobile
• Trams will be safe to use as, in addition to a driver, every tram will have a passenger attendant on board to check tickets, answer passenger queries and ensure no anti-social behaviour occurs
• Trams will offer concessionary fares
