The Scotsman have run a story this week that suggests the Scottish National Party run Scottish Government – who did everything they could to scupper the plans for the tram network in Edinburgh – may be mellowing in their attitude to the trams by possibly backing proposed extensions.
Stewart Stevenson, the transport minister, has said that there is logic of building further tram lines in Edinburgh and that the SNP were not against trams in general but more particularly the line that was proposed in the Scottish capital.
He said: “We are not against trams as such, but the project that was before us. The advice which Edinburgh City Council and Transport Initiatives Edinburgh (tie) have made to me, which I can see the logic of, is that when you have invested in the infrastructure it is cheaper to make extensions. The justification for tram projects would be more straightforward, because the infrastructure costs will have been largely met by the first line."
Willie Gallagher, Executive Chairman of tie, commented in response: “Those cities that have invested in tram systems have all extended their networks to support and enhance economic growth following the initial construction. I'm sure that Edinburgh will be no different, and I welcome the minister's pragmatic view of the future of Edinburgh's public transport system."
One such extension which could be built – and was originally planned as Line 3 of the network – would be to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. A feasibility is currently underway for a guided busway on this route which could in the future be upgraded for trams. Cllr Jenny Dawe, Liberal Democrat City Council leader, said: “The opportunities to the south of the city, particularly in making Edinburgh one of the world's premier biomedical centres, cannot be underestimated. However, to have any hope of fulfilling our potential, and creating world-class facilities in the area, we must have good, sustainable transport links to serve the people who will live and work in the area. We have the route of tram line 3 line secured, a Draft Bill ready to go and we are preparing a business case to show why the scheme is so vital for the area."
The case for this Edinburgh Royal Infirmary extension has recently been put to John Swinney, the Finance Director at Holyrood and health officials from NHS Lothian are believed to be fully in favour of the line. John Jack, Director of Facilities at NHS Lothian, said: “NHS Lothian remains a staunch supporter of efforts to improve public transport in Edinburgh, reducing the reliance on private cars. A tram stop at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh makes absolute sense, both for our patients and for our staff and is key to the further development of the ERI and the wider site."
* The news that the SNP may be willing to invest in more tram lines came in the same week as their leader and First Minister, Alex Salmond, commented that he would rather have spent the £500 million on dualling the A9.
Source: The Scotsman