A decade on from a troubled launch, Edinburgh's trams have become a success, carrying a record number of passengers.
Now, a proposed £2 billion extension has sparked new debate, forcing the city to choose between two controversial routes for a new north-south line.
The cheaper, more efficient option would run trams along the Roseburn Path, a cherished green corridor for walkers and cyclists. Campaigners argue this would destroy a vital active travel route, insisting trams should replace cars, not green spaces.
The alternative, sending trams across the historic Dean Bridge, is considered unrealistic due to extreme cost and complex engineering on the protected structure.
While the Roseburn route performs better on cost and efficiency, the political will to pave over a popular path is uncertain.
The larger question is funding, with the Scottish Government stating the project is currently unaffordable. The council hopes a solid business case can unlock future investment, but no guarantees have been made. As consultations begin, Edinburgh must decide if the promise of expansion is worth the cost and controversy.
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Spearheaded by Edinburgh Correspondent Donald Turvill and Environmental Reporter Vicky Allan, our series The Future of Edinburgh's Trams will look into every nook and cranny of the new proposals, how the tram system operates, what Edinburgh can learn from other cities, why trams are losing money despite passenger numbers, how the focus of trams has affected the rest of Edinburgh's public transport system, and why the tram system has to be expanded.
Read along for every article in the series.
Day Three
'It can be done': Ex-Network Rail boss on hopes of tram-trains on Edinburgh South Sub
Why the case for expanding Edinburgh's tram network using the existing South Sub line is 'stronger than ever' according to an ex Network Rail boss.
I helped save Edinburgh’s disastrous tram project - here’s what city should do now
A former Edinburgh transport chief credited with helping to save the city’s troubled tram project on a 'turning point' in latest expansion debate.
Day Two
Trees v trams. 'There are plenty roads. Pick the best one. Why pick this place?'
A green corridor and cycle route across Edinburgh is the centre of a fierce battle against the trams. Who are Save the Roseburn Path? And what do they want?
I cycled the Roseburn Path - here’s why so many cyclists love and defend it
Many of those defending the Roseburn Path are cyclists. Vicky Allan took a spin down the active travel route to find out what it is they love about it.
The seven key arguments against building a tram along Roseburn Path
Why Edinburgh’s Roseburn Path tram extension is sparking fierce debate over green space, biodiversity, and billions in spending.
Edinburgh Trams: Why record passenger numbers still mean heavy losses
Despite carrying over 12 million passengers in 2024, Edinburgh Trams remains deep in the red — still paying for the chaos of its troubled past.
Tramworks. Mostly, like childbirth, I forget the pain. Then I remember
Vicky Allan reminisces on the pains of seeing the trams built, much like childbirth. Part of the Winds of Change newsletter.
Day One
Next stop for Edinburgh Trams: Inside the £2bn plan to transform how the city moves
Plans for a £2bn Edinburgh Trams extension reveal new routes from Granton to BioQuarter - and what it means for the city’s transport future.
Edinburgh’s new tram plans: Cost, journey times and impact compared
How do Edinburgh’s proposed tram routes compare? We break down costs, journey times, disruption, and demand ahead of key council decisions.
Is Edinburgh tram consultation a ‘false choice’? Here’s what the evidence says
With just days left to respond, Edinburgh faces a fierce tram debate. Two routes, big costs, and claims of a public ‘false choice’.
‘Edinburgh can have the fanciest trams in the world — but ignore buses at your peril’
Why Edinburgh’s publicly owned buses faster and more reliable should play a much bigger role in discussions about the capital’s transport future.
‘France built 25 tram networks, we built five’: Why Edinburgh must act fast
Transport author Christian Wolmar says Edinburgh must cut red tape and act fast on trams — as France builds 25 networks to the UK’s five.
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