Its certainly been a week to remember for the Trams to Newhaven extension in Edinburgh with the start of testing of the 2.91 mile route. After the first tram (258) undertook the first test on the night of Monday 13th/Tuesday 14th March further testing has been taking place – and this has included two trams on the extension at the same time!
It was the night of Wednesday 15th/Thursday 16th March that the historic two trams in action happened with 258 still on test duties and it was joined by 271 to allow more testing of the line to take place.
Its believed that the entire route between York Place and Newhaven has now been traversed in both directions during the testing. Although nothing official has been said publicly its understood that there have been no concerns with the infrastructure and that everything has gone as expected.
As time goes on there will be a gradual increase in testing, finally including daytime running, multiple trams in action and ghost running to a timetable. This would then be followed by the start of public services – its still slated for spring although no date will be announced just yet.