A new map released by the City of Edinburgh Council (as part of a “conceptual representation” of the future multimodal transport network in the city) has revealed plans for a third tram line which would use the South Suburban railway line as its basis and would also see the first use of tram-trains in the Scottish capital.
Originally built in 1884, the railway line known as the “South Sub” hasn’t seen any regular passenger services since 1962 although remains operational and is used by freight trains and diverted passenger services. It runs for a total of 12.3km between Murrayfield Stadium and Portobello. It has often been discussed for reopening and last year we reported on a campaign who had revealed their own high-level plans for using it as the basis for running tram-train services.
The new map shows all the currently known plans for expansion of the tram network. This not only includes the current line between the Airport and Newhaven but also the planned North-South line (including both possible routes), as well as these new plans for a Suburban Circle (using the South Sub line).
The map reveals that their plans would be for a loop line, leaving the original line at between Murrayfield and Haymarket (with services able to go both ways) before running to stops at Gorgie East (for Tynecastle), Craiglockhart (for Napier University), Morningside Road, Blackford Hill (for King’s Buildings), Newington, Cameron Toll (links to the North-South line), Duddington & Craigmillar, Fort Kinnaird, Brunstane and Portobello.
There are then two routes, one which continues on the South Sub route and has no further stops and then joins the current line between The Shore and Port of Leith. The other has extra stops at Abbeyhill (for Easter Road), and Hillside with it joining the Newhaven extension between Picardy Place and McDonald Road stops. Again, this link would allow services to run in both directions.
Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, City of Edinburgh Council’s Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Edinburgh is facing significant challenges. We are the fastest growing city in Scotland, with over 60,000 new residents expected over the next two decades and growing at twice the rate of Glasgow. The Lothians are also the fastest growing region in the country.
“Mass transit is the glue which holds our city and region together, supporting economic development, measures to tackle poverty, and addressing the climate, nature, and housing emergencies. I’m clear that a multimodal model incorporating bus, heavy rail, trams and potentially tram trains, supported by active travel and shared mobility, is the right approach for Edinburgh.”
As with everything it’s a long-term plan and there is currently no funding in place.