While all eyes were on one major transport infrastructure project yesterday, another decidely less popular one also moved forward when councillors backed controversial plans to extend the tram line.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, has welcomed the decision at yesterday’s Transport and Environment Committee to agree in principle to begin the next stage of a project extending the tram service to Newhaven.
Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “Today’s decision is a welcome step forward for the tram extension project and follows a great deal of work assessing the benefits, impact and cost of extending the service to Newhaven. During this time all councillors have been given the opportunity to carefully scrutinise and question the detailed business case.
“Quite rightly, this process will take time, and our robust approach, has been welcomed by councillors from across all parties, will enable confidence as we move forward with the project. As part of this, we have sought independent advice throughout.
“By working with Lothian Buses to provide a first-class integrated public transport system for our growing population, we will enable more people to travel sustainably, reducing the volume of traffic on our roads while connecting passengers to areas of employment, leisure and retail.
“That said, we are still at an early stage, with further approval required from Council before commencing the next phase of activity, and a final decision on construction due next autumn. This will only be agreed once we are fully satisfied that the project will be delivered and managed to the high standard the residents of Edinburgh deserve.”
Read the full report to Transport and Environment Committee on the Council website.
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