Sunday 10th April will see the introduction of new fares for Edinburgh Trams with increase in the cost as well as a new City Zone return ticket. These fare increases are said to be necessary to allow for service improvements with a new timetable due to start before the end of 2016.
From Sunday 10th April all single tickets in the City Zone (all stops between York Place and Ingliston Park and Ride) will increase by 10p (adult tickets will cost £1.60 with children paying 80p) whilst the Airport fares will rise by 50p (adult single – £5.50, adult return – £8.50, child single – £3, child return – £4.50). Day ticket prices will not change.
In addition to these fare increases a new return ticket for the City Zone is to be introduced to help reduce queues and waiting times at platforms. It will also be possible to pay for this ticket by debit card as the amount will be above the minimum card payment threshold.
Edinburgh Trams have also revealed that they are assessing various options for extra and faster services as part of a new timetable due to be introduced by the end of the year. The main priority will be to add more morning and evening peak services and to speed up journey times through to the Airport. Work is also continuing on options for extending hours of operation following on from last year’s Red Eye trial.
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams General Manager, said: “We have listened to our customers and expect that the introduction of a return ticket option will be well received. While we have been very successful to date the demand for more services is clearly there and we’re working hard to maximise the potential of the current line. The changes to our ticket prices will help us to remain competitively priced, while ensuring that we are able to continue making further service improvements. Edinburgh has a growing population of residents, workers and visitors and we need to make sure that the tram plays its part as an efficient, safe and popular way of getting around the city.”
Since their introduction in May 2014 and as part of a integrated transport system the trams have been a outstanding success, passenger numbers exceeding all expectations.Extending the line to Leith(Newhaven) is the next step.
Suppose it was inevitable just the other day folk were in the local press complaining about bus price hikes. Suppose brings parity again.