Edinburgh Tram Line 1b Project Overview
Edinburgh is facing challenges with increased congestion and poor air quality due to a rise in vehicle miles traveled. To address this, the city aims to reduce car kilometers and achieve a net-zero carbon status by 2030. The proposed Line 1b tram project, supported by Lesley Hinds, offers a solution for better public transport, improved journey times, and economic benefits while minimizing impacts on existing infrastructure during construction.
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Edinburgh: Future? Tram Line 1b LESLEY HINDS 5TH JUNE 2024
Edinburgh Climate Emergency Increased congestion and the associated poor air quality. Edinburgh target is to reduce car kilometres in the city by 30% and deliver a net zero carbon city by 2030. Transport emissions are Scotland s single largest source of greenhouse gases, accounting for 36% of the total in 2018; they have only reduced by 0.5% since 1990 (figures from Scottish Parliament). Car numbers have doubled in the last 30 years resulting in emissions, health problems, congestion/reduced mobility and an unpleasant general environment. LESLEY HINDS
Edinburgh 1.89 billion vehicle miles were travelled on roads in City of Edinburgh in 2023 up from 1.54 in 1994 (figures from UK Dept. of Transport) Fastest growing region in Scotland. Edinburgh (growing at 6 times national average) and South East fastest growing region, not just in Scotland but one of the fastest in the UK and Europe. Future population projections show Edinburgh growing 6.6% compared to Scotland s 1.8%. Granton Waterfront: largest regeneration project in Scotland East, Mid and West Lothian, growing population, need to improve public transport links to Edinburgh City Centre, without a car. Edinburgh Survey: 89% would like to see a general improvement to public transport. LESLEY HINDS
Background In 2006: agreed and approved Line 1a and Line 1b by both Scottish Parliament and Edinburgh Council Line 1b included active travel: cycling and walking. Trams are the solution: capacity, boarding times, off- street speeds, reliability, switch from car and typically 50% faster. Needs to be Integrated Transport and mass rapid transport. LESLEY HINDS
Why Line 1b? An off-street tram corridor will be quicker and more reliable: greater transport planning and City Plan benefits including maximising the potential of Granton Waterfront. Serves the Western General Hospital, Craigleith Retail Park, heavy rail interchange, new offices and hotel at Haymarket. Minimises the impact on existing streets during construction, quicker construction, less impact on other networks such as business, general car traffic, buses and residents. LESLEY HINDS
Why Line 1b? The project is at lower risk (eg utilities) Alignment is protected as part of Tram Act 2006. Line 1b is supported by Edinburgh Trams. Cycling and walking will be retained. LESLEY HINDS
Why Line 1b? Provides better journey times for passengers living along the route, and crucially also gives superior journey time reliability, avoiding traffic congestion. Provides a better economic performance than Orchard Brae: expected to have lower capital costs, lower operating costs, leading to the potential for Line 1b to deliver better value for money. LESLEY HINDS
Challenges for Line 1b Ecology Impact: Main ecology damage Non native species. The ecological and amenity impacts are still being assessed for the proposed tram route along the Roseburn Corridor, it is likely that this will result in significant tree loss, with a necessary mitigation being replanting. It is anticipated that new structural and geotechnical technologies may enable improved planting strategies. Planting options will consider the most appropriate approach and the impact on habitats, including to reintroduce and enhance wildlife and pollinating corridors. A key design principle will be the requirements to minimise impacts on, and reintroduce as required, wildlife habits and pollinating corridors. Cycle challenges: discussion with Spokes re single track, in parts of line, lowering track bed at bridges. LESLEY HINDS
Road Option Orchard Brae, negative impacts on traffic congestion, interaction with general traffic impacts tram journey time and reliability. Congestion has the potential to cause significant impact (including emergency service access to WGH via Crewe Road South) plus more complicated during construction period. Utilities. Not costed. Constraints along the route may necessitate land purchase. Queensferry Street has not been resolved and provision would have a direct impact on current and future bus capacity at an already critical location on the network on Queensferry Road and from Fife. Princes Street: Eastbound only: would require interchange at Princes Street Will not provide parallel segregated cycling with an Orchard Brae option. The difficulty in providing safe cycling across Dean Bridge results in this option having a negative impact. LESLEY HINDS
Road Option Journey time and reliability for tram would be reduced due to the impact of traffic congestion and further constraints. Complex junction at Queensferry Street / Princes Street / Lothian Road potentially undeliverable Huge issue already for cycling/ped safety. A tram using the Orchard Brae alignment would not be able to turn right from Queensferry Street onto Shandwick Place and there would be no flexibility for a tram to serve the Airport from Granton. LESLEY HINDS
Summary Phased delivery: Line 1b first Drop Telford Road Option: On road, traffic disruption, possible demolition of Crewe Toll Fire station, expensive option and does not have parliamentary consent. Keep original Line 1b with Telford Drive Tram Stop Carry out partnership working with cycle and walking organisations to deliver an active travel corridor, on Line 1b option. Carry out partnership working with interested organisations re deliver a green corridor, on Line 1b On road option: spend no more time or money on this option, as it is not a feasible one. LESLEY HINDS
