A major public consultation is now underway to shape the future of Edinburgh’s tram system. Running for 12 weeks, the consultation invites residents, commuters, and stakeholders to share their views on proposed new tram routes stretching from Granton in the north to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary in the south.
Background and Progress So Far
Following the successful extension of the tram line from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven—completed in 2023 and now serving over 1 million passengers monthly—the Council is developing a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for further expansion. This case will be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.
Proposed Route Overview
The new tram route is divided into three main sections:
1. Granton to City Centre
This section begins with a single route from Granton to Ferry Road / Crewe Toll, then splits into two potential options:
- Orchard Brae Corridor
- Travels via Orchard Brae, Dean Bridge, Queensferry Road, and Queensferry Street to reach the west end of Princes Street.
- Estimated cost: £650m–£850m
- Projected annual ridership by 2042: 3.75 million passengers
- Roseburn Path
- Follows a disused railway line from Ferry Road / Crewe Toll through Craigleith to Haymarket and the city centre.
- Estimated cost: £350m–£480m
- Projected annual ridership by 2042: 4.25 million passengers
While the Roseburn Path was initially identified as the preferred option in February 2024, the Council is committed to presenting both routes objectively, including their pros and cons.
The consultation also explores opportunities to integrate high-quality walking, wheeling, and cycling infrastructure along the Roseburn Path, while enhancing the local ecological network.
2. City Centre to BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary
This section would begin at Princes Street, connecting with existing tram infrastructure and offering seamless interchange with bus and rail services. The route would then cross North Bridge, pass through Nicolson Street and Newington, and continue to Cameron Toll, before heading west to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.
3. Future Extensions to Midlothian and East Lothian
The Council is collaborating with Midlothian and East Lothian Councils and SEStran to explore future mass transit links beyond the BioQuarter. Options under consideration include:
- A tram-train system using the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway (ESSR) in partnership with Network Rail
- Connections to Musselburgh Railway Station, Queen Margaret University (QMU), and Shawfair, with potential interchange points into Midlothian and the Scottish Borders
Looking Ahead
Depending on the final route choices, the full expansion could cost between £2 billion and £2.9 billion, with an estimated 38 million passengers annually by 2042.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:
I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi award-winning tram service.
We need to prepare for the future. Edinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next 20 years. Whilst this shift is a true sign of our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and crucially on the city’s transport infrastructure on which we all rely.
Managing this growth also means tackling the climate, nature and housing emergencies. To meet these significant challenges, we need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this.
Edinburgh Trams already offers a reliable and fast service, allowing residents and visitors to move around sustainably and efficiently, and with some of the cheapest fares in the country. The broader benefits of cleaner air and emphasis on active travel surrounding the network are equally as important.
Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all. From our flagship £1.3bn development at Granton Waterfront through to the city centre, our world-famous universities, cultural hubs, brilliant local businesses, new housing developments, hospitals and beyond; our transport network must move with the times.
The new developments we will see along the tram route will be key to Edinburgh’s prosperity for generations to come.”
Image credits: iStock
