Regular testing is now underway between Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Park with the section from there to York Place only seeing the odd night-time journey although it is hoped this part will be handed over to the Council soon to allow testing to really step up a further gear. John Hampton made a visit to see the tram testing on Monday 20th January with at least four different vehicles in operation. The line remains on target to open to the public in May.
A close-up of 265 in the newest livery of white, madder and platinum.
277 is seen here on the crossover at Edinburgh Park preparing to make the return journey to the Airport. Arthur's Seat is visible in the background.
264 at Edinburgh Park tramstop. The building behind the tram is the mainline railway station.
255 - retaining the as delivered livery - approaches Gyle tram stop as it crosses the main access road to the Gyle Shopping Centre. (All photos: John Hampton)
The annual conference of ALBUM, the association for managers of “independent” bus operators, is being hosted by Lothian Buses in Edinburgh on May 13/14, so some of us attending are hoping the system will have started public service by then! Particularly in my case as flights from Southend to Edinburgh will cease the following month, meaning a day trip to sample the system will no longer be possible.
Mind you, I’m not sure all the conference attendees fully approve of light rail schemes where they divert funding from buses and destabilise existing successful bus operations!