• Transform Scotland, Scotland’s alliance for sustainable transport, has today published a statement of support, backed by 18 organisations supporting proposals to extend Edinburgh’s tram network.
• The supporting organisations range across the third, public and private sectors highlighting the need for sustainable and equitable transport which is key driver of economic growth in Edinburgh.
• This comes after the City of Edinburgh Council opened a public consultation to gather views on the proposed north-south tram line.
A group of 18 cross-civil organisations have signed on to a statement of support, led by Transform Scotland, which supports the proposed plans to extend Edinburgh’s trams by building a north-south route. The statement, signed by organisations such as Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Edinburgh Airport, and Prosper, outlines the key benefits of extending the tram network including a reduction in carbon emissions, increased economic investment, and considerable move towards more equitable and fair transport across Edinburgh.
Competitor cities, such as Manchester and Dublin, have made significant investments in tram and metro systems, and have reaped both economic and environmental benefits. Edinburgh’s growing population now requires more investment into sustainable transport, in order to expand the city’s transport network capacity. The potential north-south route will significantly improve transport links in some of the most economically deprived areas of Edinburgh and offer a more sustainable transport choice for the city’s residents, reducing car use. According to The City of Edinburgh Council, the current tram line has supported over 1,000 local jobs a year in economic benefits. The Council have also stated that for any £1 invested generates £4 in economic benefit.
Extending the Edinburgh Trams network via the north/south route will boost the city’s economy by improving connectivity between homes, jobs, and the airport, making commuting faster and more reliable. It will attract new investment and regeneration along the route, increase footfall for local businesses, and strengthen Edinburgh’s global appeal for tourism and business. By reducing congestion, widening access to the labour market, and unlocking development opportunities, the extension will directly support productivity and long-term economic growth.
The proposed north-south line is part of a wider network of trams in Edinburgh, with permission for the route already having been granted by the Scottish Parliament. The City of Edinburgh Council are currently consulting the public on the route proposals, which close on the 17th of November.
Colin Howden, Director of Transform Scotland, said:
“The success of the existing tram network in Edinburgh shows that when good quality public transport services are provided, people will use them. Being near the tram line is now used as a key marketing point for properties along the route and businesses served by the tram benefit from increased patronage. An expanded tram network in Edinburgh will increase connectivity for a large section of the city including some of the lowest income areas, allowing better access to jobs, shopping, and activities. Edinburgh must ensure that the momentum and expertise provided by the successful extension to Newhaven is not squandered.”
Liz McAreavey, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said:
“Extending the tram network in Edinburgh is a vital part of the city’s sustainable economic growth. The first line of the tram has shown it has contributed to increased economic activity and improved connectivity for businesses and communities as well as helping move Edinburgh towards its sustainable development goals.Trams are a vital part of our mobility infrastructure which can provide many benefits to the city and its citizens.”
Gordon Robertson, Chief Communications and Sustainability officer, Edinburgh Airport, said:
“International and internal connectivity is a key component of Scotland and Edinburgh’s economy, and we are lucky at the airport to be a facilitator and a user of both of those things. Many of our international visitors use the tram to access our city and beyond, while many people use it to get to the airport to head off on that important holiday or trip. We fully support these proposals to develop and grow the tram network across the city and further improve the city’s connectivity.”
Sara Thiam, Chief Executive of Prosper said:
“”Building on the success of Edinburgh’s economy is critical to the future prosperity of the Scottish economy. Connecting growth areas of the city-region by investing in high-capacity, sustainable infrastructure will increase the competitiveness of key industries and create attractive places with new opportunities to live, work and study.”
Statement of support for the extension of Edinburgh Trams
As people involved in the business, academic, health, culture and community life of Edinburgh, we urge the City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Government to support the next extension of Edinburgh Trams, a north-south route from Granton to the Bioquarter.
We believe that:
- The extension is vital for economic development. Increasing connectivity will enhance economic activity within the city, generating more footfall and economic attractiveness for business and inward investment. The extension is of particular importance given the major developments which are ongoing in the north and south of the city.
- The first phase of the extension to Granton will increase connectivity for some of the most deprived areas in the city, which are currently underserved by public transport options. The north-south line will improve transport links within and outwith Edinburgh, whilst ensuring that mass transit plays an important role in helping achieve social equity.
- Mass transit is key in helping to cut carbon emissions and ensuring that Edinburgh becomes a more sustainable city. Extending the tram will increase capacity of the city’s public transport, decrease journey times, and make public transport a more attractive choice.
- Extension of the tram network is needed to meet the needs of Edinburgh’s growing population. Alongside buses, trams will play a vital role in expanding the capacity of an efficient, sustainable and reliable public transport network for our city and surrounding region.
Across many groups and sectors in Edinburgh, there is clear and strong support for the tram. To truly maximise the benefits that a new tram route will bring, the tram must be fully integrated into the wider transport network, including both public and active travel. The tram must ensure that Edinburgh has a high-quality public realm with fantastic infrastructure, so that this next north-south route will continue to make Edinburgh a city that works for everyone.
Our competitor cities continue to make significant investments in high-quality tram and metro systems. Edinburgh has already seen the advantages a tram network brings, and it is imperative that Edinburgh continues to invest in the trams for the city’s future.
Asthma + Lung UK
Capital Rail Action Group
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
Edinburgh Airport
Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce
Edinburgh College
Edinburgh Trade Union Council
Essential Edinburgh
Friends of the Earth Scotland
National Museums Scotland
Prosper
ScotRail
Scottish Accessible Transport Alliance
Scottish Association for Public Transport
SEStran
Spokes Lothian Cycle Campaign
The University of Edinburgh
Transform Scotland
