Broken down tram causes disruption in Edinburgh City Centre

Monday 2nd March proved to be a morning to forget for Edinburgh Trams after a high profile tram failure led to major traffic disruption in Edinburgh City Centre. The tram had a “power issue” at approximately 0850 at the corner of York Place and St Andrew Square but the problems didn’t end there as the tram which was sent to rescue it was unable to move it so a tow truck had to be summoned to complete the rescue.

The rescue tram was coupled to the failed tram and everything seemed to be going smoothly until some traffic lights changed to stop bringing the two vehicles to a halt. Then when the lights changed again the two trams struggled to get moving and the decision was taken to stop this attempt. A tow truck was called for and proceeded to move both of the trams from the scene at 1020.

York Place was closed throughout leading buses and other road traffic to be sent on a diversion although, predictably, this did lead to numerous complaints on social media. Although this was a rare incident for Edinburgh Trams it has to be admitted that the rescue didn’t exactly go according to plan and caused a lot of disruption not just for tram passengers but also other road users. Hopefully this high profile failure will be a very rare occurrence as the tramway continues to settle into its operating life.

* There were more delays for Edinburgh Trams on Thursday 5th March when Princes Street was closed following reports a man had fallen from the Scott Monument. Sadly the 41 year old man was pronounced dead at the scene and Police said there were no suspicious circumstances. Trams were only able to run between the Airport and West End Princes Street between 0930 and 1150.

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