What Is The Purpose Of Edinburgh Trams?

Edinburgh Trams is the award winning operator of the city’s tramway with a vision to be an integral part of the future success of Edinburgh and the Lothians by providing world-class, environmentally-friendly and socially-inclusive transport.

Why was the Edinburgh tram system needed?

It was clear to us that a new generation tramway system would not only help to tackle the transport issues facing the city but would also put Scotland’s capital city on a par with others in Europe.

Why are trams used?

Trams have been used for two main purposes: for carrying passengers and for carrying cargo. There are several types of passenger tram: Articulated. Cargo trams.

How do Edinburgh trams work?

You must use your tickets within 30 minutes of purchase, validation of a smartcard pass, or activation on the app. If you board the tram without a ticket, you can still buy one from the conductor, but you will have to pay the £10 on-board fee, so it’s best to remember to pre-purchase your tickets.

What is Edinburgh tram project?

Edinburgh Trams is a tramway in Edinburgh, Scotland, operated by Edinburgh Trams Ltd. It is a 14-kilometre (8.7 mi) line between St Andrew Square in the New Town and Edinburgh Airport, with 15 stops.

Why is Edinburgh tram project failure?

A 2011 review by Audit Scotland ruled the tram project had been undermined by poor planning, cost underestimates, contract disputes and a lack of clear leadership by the council.

Why are there tunnels under Edinburgh?

Those at the lowest level were originally used to house taverns, cobblers, a distillery and other trades. These business were eventually abandoned due to the lack of light and sanitation. However, despite the appalling conditions there is evidence that they were then used for a time as the very poorest housing.

Why use trams instead of buses?

Passengers prefer trams over motor buses, and trams are usually quieter than motor buses. Being electric powered (there are a very few diesel trams), trams emit no exhaust fumes. Lastly, and no less importantly, trams can be coupled together to form two, three, or four-car trains to handle heavy passenger demand.

Why did the UK get rid of trams?

The advent of personal motor vehicles and the improvements in motorized buses caused the rapid disappearance of the tram from most western and Asian countries by the end of the 1950s (for example the first major UK city to completely abandon its trams was Manchester by January 1949).

Why are trams better than trains?

Much lighter than trains, without the need for often cost prohibitive and energy-intensive underground tunnels that a metro system requires. Trams run on hard wheels and rails that can be fully recycled and have much lower rolling resistance than soft rubber tyres.

Do trams in Edinburgh run all night?

Journey Planning
Our service runs every 7 minutes between 7am and 7pm, out with these times trams run from every 10 minutes. During peak hours Monday to Friday we run additional services every 3 minutes. You can find the times for first and last trams below.

Does the tram in Edinburgh go to the airport?

The Edinburgh tram route covers 14km from St Andrew Square in the city centre all the way to Edinburgh Airport. Connect with trains at Edinburgh Gateway, Edinburgh Park Station and Haymarket.

Do Edinburgh trams go to the zoo?

Located on Corstophine Road, the zoo is a 15-minute walk from Balgreen tram stop.

How much do tram drivers get paid in Edinburgh?

tram driver Salaries by City

Location Salary
Coventry £23,695.79
Edinburgh £25,322.71
Glasgow £22,567.96
Leeds £25,379.24

How fast do Edinburgh trams go?

On-street the trams can travel up to 50kph (30mph) and off-street the trams can reach a maximum of 70kph (about 45mph). Journey time is 36 minutes from St Andrew Square to Edinburgh Airport.

Who owns the trams in Edinburgh?

On becoming operational, the trams will be operated by Edinburgh Trams Limited, a company wholly owned by the City of Edinburgh Council. Originally costed at £375 million in 2003, the budget was later increased to £545 million; in May 2011, it was revealed that £440 million had already been spent on the project.

What is the life expectancy in Edinburgh?

Average life expectancy at birth is now 76.6 years for males and 80.8 years for females, according to statistics published by National Records of Scotland.

Did Edinburgh ever have an underground?

Edinburgh’s lost ‘Innocent Railway’ was the first ever underground line built in Scotland. The St Leonards Tunnel, built between 1827 and 1830, is used today by locals as a thoroughfare for runners and cyclists, but its historic beginnings are sometimes forgotten.

When did trams stop running in Edinburgh?

16 November 1956
The last Edinburgh tram ran on 16 November 1956.

Why is it called Little France in Edinburgh?

It acquired its name from members of the entourage brought to Scotland from France by Mary, Queen of Scots, who took up residence at nearby Craigmillar Castle.

Why are old buildings in Edinburgh black?

By the 1950’s most of Edinburgh’s sandstone buildings were obscured by layers of black grime, a legacy of household coal fires which earned the capital city its nickname ‘Auld Reekie’.