11.09.15
Edinburgh trams passenger numbers exceed targets
Edinburgh trams carried 50,000 more passengers between late May and early September 2015 than in the same period last year, ahead of final proposals for a network extension.
During its first full year of service, the trams served 400,000 more passengers than the pre-launch target.
RTM reported in August that city councillors are currently reviewing the possibility of extending the tramway to Leith and Newhaven after an updated business case was introduced in an August council meeting.
New links to Granton and, from there, to Newhaven are also being considered.
In June, a draft outline business case, originally looking at extensions to Newhaven, Ocean Terminal or the foot of Leith Walk, determined that taking the trams to Newhaven would cost £145m.
The council is now exploring all options for the future and considering how to safeguard appropriate system extensions.
It is also set to reveal the results of a comprehensive transport review which started in the summer of 2013.
Transport convener and chair of Transport for Edinburgh (TfE), Lesley Hinds, said it is “good to be in this position” of knowing they are carrying a “consistently high volume of satisfied passengers” as they develop extension proposals.
Ian Craig, chief executive of TfE, added: “These numbers are extremely encouraging and, when taken along with high rates of passenger satisfaction [95%], it’s something everyone involved can take pride in.
“Our focus has been on ensuring the highest levels of customer service and reliability and I’m confident that our passengers enjoy the service we provide. It’s for the council to press on with the development of proposals for extension, but we know our passengers are happy and that they want to see more.”