Is it true that tramcars are to be re-introduced in Edinburgh?

Question

Is it true that tramcars are to be re-introduced in Edinburgh?

Answer 1

Yes. And it's a big waste of money. The bus service was already pretty good. I can't see how tramcars will improve anything. Unless they lower the ticket prices. :-/

Answer 2

Although there currently is no tram network in Edinburgh, like many other cities in the UK, Edinburgh had a tram network in the first half of the 20th century, running as far as Leith and Musselburgh. The service was withdrawn in 1956 - the last tram to run was on the evening of Friday November 16 that year.

Following years of transport studies in Edinburgh, the last being CERT, Central Edinburgh Rapid transport. In 2004, two Bills were submitted to the Scottish Parliament to reintroduce a tram network to Edinburgh. Both Bills were passed in March/April 2006 and the system has now received Royal Assent. Movement of underground utilities is due to commence in Spring 2007, now that the draft business case has been accepted by the Scottish Executive.

As of October 2006 the scheme is being developed and designed under a joint design contract lead by Parsons Brinkerhoff and Halcrow and overseen by the City of Edinburgh Council's wholly owned company, [[Transport initiatives edinburgh (tie)]]. Currently, work is ongoing to refine previous designs and to undertake survey work where needed in preparation for moving of utilities and later network construction. Once the network becomes operational it will be operated by Transdev, a French company, who were awarded the contract in 2004 to help develop, and eventually operate the network. The target date for opening the Phase 1a of the system is now 25 February 2011 at a cost of £498 million.

Ticketing and fares will be fully integrated with Lothian Buses. The fare for a single journey on the tram network will be the same as on Lothian Buses, expected to be around £1.25 when the network opens in 2011. Day tickets and Ridacards will be valid on both the trams and buses.

http://www.answers.com/edinburgh+trams?c...

Answer 3

Yes they are.  They are part of the improvements to the transport network, adding to Park and Ride facilities and bus lanes.  They will link the city centre to the Airport, Murrayfield (Rugby Stadium) and Leith.

Answer 4

i just asked my friend (He is scottish and he said. "Whats a tramcar?"

:S oh my days........

I only think that they would be good for the tourists, they are not what you would call modern, but hey, Scotland is full of suprises.

Answer 5

Yes

Stage 1 from Leith to the Airport is currently under construction, causing major headaches at West End with Shandwick Place closed to all traffic. Princes Street closes later this year - more chaos. Stage 2 will complete the Leith/Granton/Haymarket loop.

Answer 6

Yes, its true. It's not going to be a city wide tramcar infrastructure, like it the past, but rather a point to point line, and it's not really a tram, more like a small inner city train.

Answer 7

sadly yes we have one of the best public transport systems going with buses taxi cabs etc we don't need or want trams this is costing the tax payer millions. We only got rid of them 50 years ago now the council are bringing them back.

Answer 8

Yes and No!

The old trams are not being brought back, neither is their comprehensive network.

Effectively one line is being introduced running from the airport to city centre to Leith and Newhaven. They will be the modern 'super-tram' type being introduced across europe, the tourists would indeed have loved the old two deckers being brought back, but these are just about quick transfer and look more like short trains.

The frequent bus link from the airport to the city centre currently takes 25 minutes at all times (thanks to the bus lanes) the trams wont shave much off this, but they will provide efficient through transport to Leith which doesnt exist by single bus at the moment as the bus company dont appear to think there is sufficient demand (!)

As you can guess its a bit controversial - apparently the cost is equivalent to running every bus 24/7 in Edinburgh, FREE for seven years!!

Answer 9

Yes, go to www.tramsforedinburgh.co.uk for all the info.

Answer 10

yes,work is currently undergoing in central edinburgh