On the homeward straight now as its three more letters to go, all of which were more of a struggle, in fact you could probably see this letter is a big cheat!
The letter X, just what do you use for that letter? You cheat and find something which just has the letter in its spelling! Extension of course! We’ve been relatively lucky that in more recent years most UK tramways have seen at least a small extension built (and in most cases opened!). The only modern tramway which hasn’t had an extension has been London Tramlink which remains exactly as it was in 2000 when it opened. Manchester Metrolink saw major expansion and in 2023 alone we have seen both Edinburgh Trams and West Midlands Metro open new lines. West Midlands Metro isn’t stopping there either and who knows in 2024 we may see Blackpool finally open their line up to Blackpool North Railway Station.
One of the most recent extensions to open was in Edinburgh where almost three miles of tramway were added to the network between York Place and Newhaven. Opening in June 2023 the line includes significant on street running sections and also provides links to Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia. We see 276 just arriving at Newhaven. (Photograph by Gareth Prior, 30th June 2023)
Xcuses! such as delays opening / cancelling extensions
We’ve had some kind of extension opening in the UK most years lately, but compared to the heady days of the 80s, 90s, 2000s and early 2010s when whole new systems were opening and major expansions in Manchester and Nottingham, there is nothing but a trickle now, with tiny stubs and modest extensions. New on-street extensions are obviously more challenging that the takeover of an ex-rail line but, in terms of new mileage available for commuters, there’s nothing much occuring and the prospect of no new extensions for a decade, with nothing at all in the pipeline after Brierley Hill.