The statement, signed by organisations such as Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Edinburgh Airport, and Prosper, outlines the key benefits of extending the tram network including a reduction in carbon emissions, increased economic investment, and considerable move towards more equitable and fair transport across Edinburgh. 

Competitor cities, such as Manchester and Dublin, have made significant investments in tram and metro systems, and have reaped both economic and environmental benefits. Edinburgh’s growing population now requires more investment into sustainable transport, in order to expand the city’s transport network capacity.

The potential north-south route will significantly improve transport links in some of the most economically deprived areas of Edinburgh and offer a more sustainable transport choice for the city’s residents, reducing car use. According to The City of Edinburgh Council, the current tram line has supported over 1,000 local jobs a year in economic benefits. The Council have also stated that for any £1 invested generates £4 in economic benefit. 

The proposed north-south line is part of a wider network of trams in Edinburgh, with permission for the route already having been granted by the Scottish Parliament. The City of Edinburgh Council are currently consulting the public on the route proposals, which close on the 17th of November. 

Colin Howden, director of Transform Scotland said: “The success of the existing tram network in Edinburgh shows that when good quality public transport services are provided, people will use them. Being near the tram line is now used as a key marketing point for properties along the route and businesses served by the tram benefit from increased patronage. An expanded tram network in Edinburgh will increase connectivity for a large section of the city including some of the lowest income areas, allowing better access to jobs, shopping, and activities. Edinburgh must ensure that the momentum and expertise provided by the successful extension to Newhaven is not squandered.”

Liz McAreavey, chief executive of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, added:  “Extending the tram network in Edinburgh is a vital part of the city’s sustainable economic growth. The first line of the tram has shown it has contributed to increased economic activity and improved connectivity for businesses and communities as well as helping move Edinburgh towards its sustainable development goals.Trams are a vital part of our mobility infrastructure which can provide many benefits to the city and its citizens.”

Gordon Robertson, chief communications and sustainability officer, Edinburgh Airport, said: “International and internal connectivity is a key component of Scotland and Edinburgh’s economy, and we are lucky at the airport to be a facilitator and a user of both of those things. Many of our international visitors use the tram to access our city and beyond, while many people use it to get to the airport to head off on that important holiday or trip. We fully support these proposals to develop and grow the tram network across the city and further improve the city’s connectivity.”

Sara Thiam, chief executive of Prosper, said: “Building on the success of Edinburgh’s economy is critical to the future prosperity of the Scottish economy. Connecting growth areas of the city-region by investing in high-capacity, sustainable infrastructure will increase the competitiveness of key industries and create attractive places with new opportunities to live, work and study.”