The new higher frequency timetable introduced on Edinburgh Trams during 2017 has helped to contribute to a 19% increase in passenger numbers over the past 12 months. 6.6 million passenger journeys were recorded in 2017 – an increase of more than 1 million.
The new timetable now sees trams running up to every 7 minutes every day of the week helping to increase capacity. With demand continuing to increase trials are now underway to double the frequency at peak periods.
Lea Harrison, Manager Director at Edinburgh Trams, said: “I am delighted to see that the efforts of the team to deliver a fast, frequent and reliable service are continuing to prove popular with residents and visitors to the city alike. We have achieved some significant improvements in 2017 and have been recognised internationally as a world class operator. However, our focus is now very much on the years ahead and what we can do to sustain performance and where possible, do even better.”
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added: “These figures are hugely encouraging and all the team at Edinburgh Trams are to be congratulated for their sterling work. Trams have now become established as a much-valued part of our growing and successful public transport service in Edinburgh. Seeing them go from strength to strength is a very positive aspect of our planning for the Edinburgh of tomorrow.”
2018 will hopefully see further good news from Edinburgh with the latter half of the year seeing the final outcome of whether they will go-ahead with the extension of the line to Leith.