Last week in order to allow for the installation of overhead wires to connect the Edinburgh Trams extension to the existing line in York Place all trams from the Airport were turned short at West End. This meant that the temporary terminus here returned allowing for the chance to see trams being turned here using the in-service crossover just to the Haymarket side of the stop.
Trams ran to the usual timetable throughout this period (scheduled to be between Monday 13th and Sunday 19th February but in the end normal service resumed on Sunday 19th) with the only difference to passengers being you couldn’t get any further than West End if heading towards the city centre.
West End is no stranger to being a terminus with it being used around this time last year when York Place stop was being decommissioned and also frequently during special events held on Princes Street.
Notices were posted at stops to let passengers know of the service change. Edinburgh Trams staff were also on hand at Princes Street and St Andrew Square to help people get where they wanted to get.
In the distance at West End we see 274 waiting at the actual stop for departure. In the meantime 254 is waiting to access the temporary terminus but won’t be able to do so until the former departs. The crossover used by trams when departing the stop can be noted in the centre of the image.
Then a few moments later and 274 does depart and demonstrates to us the use the of the crossover. The passengers on board 254 will be relieved as they will soon be at journeys end and be able to alight.
And now we see 254 alone as it enters the stop with its terminating service. The scene is dominated in the background by Charlotte Chapel in Shandwick Place.
A final view of 254 at West End. Coates Crescent is beyond the tram in this north looking view. A stop sign is in front of the tram advising it that it can go no further. (All Photographs by Roy Calderwood, 14th February 2023)