{"id":63957,"date":"2026-08-01T14:00:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T13:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=63957"},"modified":"2026-08-01T14:41:57","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T13:41:57","slug":"edinburgh-trams-still-wait-to-return-to-princes-street","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.britishtramsonline.co.uk\/news\/?p=63957","title":{"rendered":"Edinburgh Trams still wait to return to Princes Street"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has now been over three weeks since trams last run along Princes Street and on to Newhaven following a major fire in the former Debenhams building which caused major structural damage. And the latest update from the City of Edinburgh Council has confirmed work is expected on site for at least another three weeks.<\/p>\n

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With the extent of the damage on the building being so severe the road past the site has been closed and this has meant that for safety reasons it has not been possible to run any tram service along Princes Street. This has led to all services from Edinburgh Airport terminating at West End, with anyone wishing to travel any further forced to change for Lothian Bus or ScotRail services to reach their destination.<\/p>\n

Alongside the Council, Edinburgh Trams have investigated various ways they could get trams onto the Newhaven extension \u2013 including running them low-speed past the site or even transporting them by road \u2013 but the decision has been taken that there are no practical options available.<\/p>\n

In a statement released at the end of July, Willie Hamilton, Chief Operating Officer, explained more: \u201cEvery available option has been explored to restore tram services to the northern section of the route. Unfortunately, transporting trams by alternative means is not currently a practical solution.\u00a0Trams also require regular cleaning, routine maintenance and secure overnight storage and we do not currently have suitable long-term facilities at Newhaven to support these essential operational requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Whilst also apologising for the disruption, Willie Hamilton also praised staff at both Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses: \u201cI would like to also take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of colleagues across both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. Since this incident, teams have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to redesign services, coordinate operations across both networks, introduce ticket acceptance arrangements, provide up to date travel information and support customers throughout a complex and evolving situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir professionalism, resilience and commitment has been exceptional. On behalf of the executive teams at Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, I would like to thank every colleague for the role they have played in helping keep the city moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

He concluded: “Finally, I want to thank our customers. We know this disruption has affected thousands of journeys, and we are extremely grateful for the patience, understanding and support so many of you have shown throughout.\u00a0 The many messages of encouragement received have meant a great deal to colleagues across both organisations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe continue to work closely with our partners and the relevant authorities, and as soon as we are advised that it is safe to do so, our normal network will be restored.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the meantime, please continue to plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey and check the latest travel information which is available on our websites, apps and social media channels before travelling.\u201d<\/p>\n

For their part the Council have explained work which is underway to make the site safe. They said in a statement: \u201cSecuring the front fa\u00e7ade of the building is one of the key tasks being undertaken. Structural engineers have concluded that the building\u2019s fragile state means vehicles, including trams, should not pass, even at low speeds. Doing so would pose a serious risk to public safety.<\/p>\n

\u201cSteelwork is being installed to reinforce the fa\u00e7ade and once this is in place, vehicles will be able to pass the structure. The earliest this is expected to be is in around three weeks\u2019 time, if wind speeds remain low. Work is weather dependent and cranes cannot operate once wind speeds exceed safe limits. The safety of the operatives carrying out this complex work is a key factor.\u201d<\/p>\n