TRAM: British and Australian (American usually streetcar also trolley) noun [C] An electric vehicle that transports people, usually in cities, and goes along metal tracks in the road. (Taken from the Cambridge English Dictionary)
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PLEA TO ENSURE CRT DOES CROSS THE RIVER
Nottingham Express Transit – Sunday 21st October 2007
The final business case report for the Trams for Edinburgh project has been released – it is due to be approved by the City Council on Thursday 25th October – and it reveals that at present it is coming £47 million under the allocated £545 million funding. This even includes contingency funding.
Willie Gallagher, chairman of tie, said: “I am extremely proud of our Final Business Case, it is an impressive, robust document and builds on the draft version that was approved by the Council last year. This business case is the culmination of two years hard work by a world-class team and we are confident that it puts forward the best possible solution for Edinburgh trams. I am particularly pleased that our commercial negotiations and rigorous procurement strategy have enabled us to cost the delivery of the tram line from Newhaven to Edinburgh Airport at £498m, including contingency; well below the £545m available funding. In our negotiations we have included an option to procure an extension of the route, Haymarket to Granton, at a fixed price up to March 2009. I am looking forward to working with our tram and infrastructure suppliers to ensure they deliver the quality tram system that they have already provided to other leading cities.”
The report also reveals for certain road changes needed in the city centre to ensure smooth running of the trams when constructed. Major road changes will include the closure of Shandwick Place to everything but trams and buses and part of Constitution Street will also be closed. The roundabout at the top of Leith Walk will be replaced by a T-Junction and Torphichen Street will be reopened to traffic in both directions. There will be a tunnel under the Gogar roundabout linking Edinburgh Park and a new train and tram interchange the other side of the roundabout. A map of the road changes in the city centre has been made available by The Scotsman here.
Cllr Jenny Dawe, leader of the City Council, sad: “A thriving, expanding world-class city needs a world-class public transport system. Trams will provide Edinburgh with a modern, globally competitive, public transport infrastructure fully integrated with our excellent, but already burgeoning, bus service. Trams will attract the type of investment that brings new business, shops and prosperity. The reports evidence the rigorous scrutiny that has been applied to the business case for trams. The Council will, of course, give sustained and proper consideration to these reports. The business case does, however, appear to offer excellent value for money and I am delighted that it supports our vision for Edinburgh’s economic success. Trams should now become a reality, improving both our competitiveness and the quality of life for Edinburgh residents.”
If enough Councillors approve the report (only a majority is required) construction of the actual tramlines is expected to be commence in February next year – the report gives an opening date of 25th February 2011 for trams to commence public running. Approximately 11 million passengers are expected to use the trams in their first year.
Cllr Phil Wheeler, Transport Convener at the Council, added: “The analysis of tram benefits and costs has been meticulous and proves to be undoubtedly positive. I am confident that the overwhelming majority of my fellow Councillors will recognise this and vote in favour of proceeding. With all major contracts now in place or nearing completion and work started to divert utility cables and pipes from along the route, the time is absolutely ripe. Within four short years, Edinburgh will have a world-class, modern and efficient public transport system fit for a 21st century capital city.”
Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Transport Edinburgh Limited, said: “Trams will be an exciting addition to Edinburgh’s public transport network and the business case confirms that the new bus-plus-tram integrated system will operate without any public subsidy, just as the bus network currently does. The branding of the new trams in line with the buses’ distinctive look gives visual confirmation of the integrated nature of the future tram and bus network.”
* An opinion article on the tram has also been published on The Scotsman website – details here.
