Edinburgh Council approves southern tram network expansion

The City of Edinburgh Council has approved the next stage of plans to expand the city’s tram network. The immediate priority is a southern link connecting the city centre with the Edinburgh BioQuarter and the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

While a broader strategic business case includes a route from Granton in the north to the BioQuarter in the south, councillors have decided to focus initial efforts on the southern section. Further work will continue regarding a future connection between Granton and the city centre.

Council transport and environment convener Stephen Jenkinson noted that investment is essential due to Edinburgh being the fastest-growing city in Scotland. The council will now assess these proposals alongside the SEStransit study and a feasibility study by Transport Scotland and Network Rail regarding the potential restoration of passenger services on the South Suburban Railway line.