Overview of the process and project stages
The consultation on the expansion of the tram network ran during August - November 2025 and has now closed.
On a project of this size, we are required to complete a UK Treasury compliant strategic business case for a north to south tram route in the city. We follow Transport Scotland’s Guidance on the Development of Business Cases.
There are four stages, which provide the reasoning and justification behind a project
- Strategic Outline Plan - this has been completed as this is covered by existing documents including Scotland's Economic Strategy, the National Transport Strategy, its supporting documents, and regional / local transport strategies.
- Strategic Business Case - this is the current stage of this project which we have consulted on and was approved by the Transport and Environment Committee on 10 September 2026.
- Outline Business Case - this would be the next stage of this project. As agreed at the Transport and Environment Committee on 10 September 2026, the next step will be to position the a north - south tram route within the findings of SEStransit, a study for transport in the South East of Scotland region, which is expected to be delivered in the autumn of next year.
- Final or Full Business Case
Each stage details
- why the project is needed
- estimated costs and numbers of users
- how it would be paid for
- how it would be built.
We will continue to consult residents, businesses and stakeholders at each stage so there will more opportunities to give your views if the project progresses.
We also work with partners and carry out other assessments and research as part of this process including
- NHS Lothian Health Impact Scoping Report for the extension of the tram
- initial Integrated Impact Assessment
We will carry out full assesments as part of the detailed design should the project progress to the next stage of Outline Business Case
- Integrated Integrated Impact Assessment
- Health Impact Assessment
- Heritage Impact Assessment
- Environmental Impact Assessment