Writing in The Herald On Sunday (November 23), Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson sets out the importance of the tram for the Capital's future.
Over the last three months we’ve seen an incredible level of engagement on our ambitious plans to extend Edinburgh’s multi-award-winning tram network.
Some 11,500 residents and businesses responded, with around 1,500 attending our in person drop-in sessions – testament to the intense interest in, and importance of, our tram system.
Edinburgh is facing significant challenges. Our city is the fastest growing in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next two decades and over 34,000 by 2028 alone. The Lothians are also the fastest growing region in the country.
Whilst these trends reflect our undoubted success, we can’t underestimate the real pressure this exerts on our communities, and on the city’s transport infrastructure. Managing this growth also means addressing the climate, nature, and housing emergencies – as well as driving forward our city’s economy and tackling poverty. To addresses these big issues, we need to look for ambitious solutions, and, to my mind, the tram extension is fundamental to this. Doing nothing, as some seem to be suggesting, is simply not an option.
I’m not alone in recognising this. Transform Scotland, the national alliance for regional transport, issued an open statement of support for our plans which was signed by 18 organisations including Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Earth Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, and Spokes to name but a few. This shows the high regard in which the tram in Edinburgh is already held and what it means for the future of our city.
From our groundbreaking £1.3 billion development at Granton Waterfront, through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond – our overarching vision is to effectively link the whole of Edinburgh, and the wider region, for the benefit of all.
For Granton Waterfront particularly, the tram is central to fulfilling the provision of quality housing and services, whilst providing sustainable travel options and improved connectivity.
Buses will always be core to our public transport network, but trams are more efficient at carrying large volumes of people in high demand routes, with our proposed extension forecast to serve 14 million passengers by 2042.
When considering the potential routes from Granton to the city centre, elected members gave a clear instruction in February 2024 that any future consultation should objectively consider the pros and cons of both the Roseburn Path and Orchard Brae routes, which is exactly what we’ve done.
That’s not to say other options haven’t been considered, but these are the most direct routes, which is a central consideration in making the case for tram investment.
The idea of a tram travelling through this area of the city is not a new concept. As far back as 1989, the then Lothian Regional Council considered an Edinburgh Metro on the old railway line at Roseburn, and consent for use of the line was granted by the Scottish Parliament almost two decades ago. The rationale which underpinned these plans, in terms of the economic, social and environmental benefits, still rings true today. We need only look to the success of Trams to Newhaven, and the new lease of life it has brought to communities and businesses across the north of our city to see the potential.
On the Roseburn Path route, we’re conscious that its use has changed over the years, and thanks to input from local people and users of the path, our plans now include the installation of a high-quality, segregated, active travel route alongside the proposed tramline. The local ecological network will also be protected, with some 70% of trees being retained and new green spaces being created where possible along the route. Any trees lost will be replaced on a two-for-one basis at least.
On Orchard Brae, whilst this option is still on the table, the undeniable facts are that it is calculated to cost hundreds of millions more than the Roseburn Path and ultimately carry fewer passengers - with the added complication of having to undertake significant work on a Category A listed structure in the Dean Bridge.
Turning to the city centre, we’ve strengthened the North Bridge to be able to accommodate a future tramline, while initial technical reports show that the tram could also be delivered across South Bridge. I’d emphasise that we’re still in a very early stage of the process and, should we decide to proceed, a huge amount of further investigative work would be required across all aspects of the proposed extension. Learning the lessons from previous phases of the tram project, it’s vital that we take the time to get this process right.
In terms of funding the proposed extension, we’ve been clear throughout that we would need to explore a range of options. This hasn’t changed. By developing the business case, we’re strengthening our ability to secure funding, regardless of the source. We’re already having advisory discussions with experts at the National Wealth Fund around this. I think it’s also worth highlighting that any Scottish Government funding wouldn’t be required until well into the next Parliament.
We’ll now carefully consider the consultation responses as part of the wider business case, which will come back to the Transport and Environment Committee next year. I’d stress too that with any project of this scale, no one route, or plan will be agreeable to everyone. Ultimately my responsibility, and the responsibility of all elected members, is to do what is best for the city.
The tram is a potentially transformational development for Edinburgh, and we owe it to future generations to be bold and ambitious. The Capital stands at a crossroads. We face a choice between confronting the complex challenges that are before us and laying the foundations for a better city - or burying our heads in the sand and hoping for the best. Edinburgh’s future citizens will not forgive us if we do nothing, and I have no doubt which side I am on.