Newly released figures have revealed that 1.5 million passengers have been carried on board Edinburgh Trams since the line was launched to the public on 31st May. These figures, and the related revenue levels, are in line with predictions and the business model which was developed before services began and are based on the first 100 days of operated between 31st May and 7th September.
The first week of operation saw 130,000 passengers carried and this has since reduced, as would be expected following a launch, to in excess of 90,000 passengers on average taking trips on the tramway per week since. The figures have been helped by major events taking place along the route of the tramway with a One Direction concert, two Champions League matches (all at Murrayfield) and an exceptionally busy Festival period. As passenger numbers have increased it has allowed Edinburgh Trams to address emerging issues, developing and improving the service along the way.
Tom Norris, Edinburgh Trams Director and General Manager, was delighted with the news: “The last 100 days have been a success for everyone at Edinburgh Trams, from our drivers and ticketing assistants to the team behind the scenes at Gogar Depot. We’ve had major events, a busy Edinburgh Festival season as well as challenges and disruptions that are part of being a transport operator. I hope passengers feel they can count on us to get them to their destination and we continue to listen to feedback from our customers which we’re using to improve our service further. We’re off to a really promising start and I’d like to thank all our staff for their efforts and our new passengers for getting on board with us.”
Although there have been a few incidents which have caused delays (including tram breakdowns, balloon caught in the overhead and the collision with a bus in West Maitland Street earlier this month) 98.7% of services have completed the full route in the first 100 days. Around 10 % of the journeys which have taken place have used the Scottish National Entitlement Card and this is within the £500,000 budget allowed for their use.
Cllr Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener and Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, commented: “We can count these 100 days as a very encouraging start and the fact that we’ve carried 1.5 million passengers speaks volumes about how quickly people in the city have embraced their new tram service. These are still the early days of a new operation and there’s always going to be scope to refine things to make sure passengers get the best possible service. We’ve got a great team in place to hone and develop the tram operation and to ensure that we deliver a fully integrated public transport system for the Capital.”
It is pleasing to see that despite all the problems experienced in the construction phase of the line that the public do seem to be using the tramway for the purpose it was intended and that was to be a mass people mover. Yes there have been a few issues in these first 100 days but that is always to be expected with new transport systems as it takes other road users time to acclimatise to the changes. The next challenges for the line (along with the forthcoming inquiry) will be as we enter the autumn and winter periods when there will possibly be weather related issues to contend with and also as visitor numbers fall just how many of the passengers carried are local residents will be revealed.
With so many being carried by the trams, is this affecting the bus companies and their revenue?
Lothian Bus and Edinburgh Trams are in effect one and the same!
Lothian Buses have reported a record breaking summer. The 2 routes most affected by the trams the 22 and the 100(airlink) have seen a slight reduction.
The 22 lost 4 of its’ pink top branded. buses down to 21 from 25.
The 100 (airlink) now operated by 12 rather than 14 buses.
Their has been lots enhancements to other routes.
Important that the first success is maintained to encourage early extensions. Incidentally can anyone tell me why these trams, (and others elsewhere e.g. in Nottingham,) make such a fuss about rounding curves? Great groaning and juddering from the bogies on the sharp curves especially out near the second stop before the airport.