Health concerns for workers rise due to tram late running times
Unite has confirmed today that its Edinburgh Trams membership are being balloted on strike action over late running times to the nation’s largest airport which is preventing workers from taking comfort breaks.
The strike ballot opens on 29 July and closes on 12 August.
In a consultative ballot previously conducted by Unite, over 160 tram workers indicated by 99 per cent that they are prepared to take industrial action on an 84 per cent turnout.
Unite claims there is a shortfall of between 5 – 6 minutes in the running time from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven. Each round trip takes on average 2 hours to complete.
The maximum driving time before a scheduled break is 5 hours, and many tram workers go this length of time without hydration or toilet breaks. This is due to running late and having to make up the time.
The unacceptable situation has contributed to health issues developing among Unite’s membership including stress and infections.
The trade union represents drivers, ticket service assistants, controllers and vehicle maintenance workers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:“Unite’s Edinburgh tram workers are facing an unacceptable health and safety situation due to the pressures of having to get the travelling public to Edinburgh airport. We will back our tram membership all the way in the fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”
A new tram timetable has added 4 minutes to each run, and delays to a new signalling system have contributed to increased delays.
It has further been reported to Unite that some trams regularly run up to 30 minutes late with control having to turn trams around mid-route. This situation completely removes the ability for tram workers to go to the toilet.
Lyn Turner, Unite industrial officer, added:“Edinburgh’s tram workers are emphatically saying give us our breaks.
“The sustained pressure being put on our members to complete the airport to Newhaven round trip is resulting in an alarming rise in incidents at work including stress and infections.
“The situation has arisen due to delays in the new signalling system and changes in the new timetable which were not properly tested before going into passenger service. Action needs to happen quickly or strike action will be inevitable.”
Nathan is one of eight live folk and country music acts performing across Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June at The Royal Highland Centre
PASSENGERS on an Edinburgh tram were treated to a very special journey yesterday as TikTok sensation, Nathan Evans, gave an impromptu gig.
A special guest at the Royal Highland Hoolie at the Royal Highland Show, Nathan Evans of Wellerman (Sea Shanty) fame had everyone’s toes tapping as they travelled from Princes Street to Ingliston, the home of the Royal Highland Show. (June 20 – 23)
The line-up for this year’s Royal Highland Hoolie will see some of Scotland and Ireland’s liveliest musicians take to the stage, with eight folk and country acts set to entertain crowds across two nights in June, the same weekend as the Royal Highland Show.
Sharing a stage with Nathan on Friday (21st June) will be headline act, Tide Lines, who have just released their latest single, Homeward Bound and six-piece band, Trail West, who have recently returned from a European tour and who continue to rise in popularity from their modest roots as a four-piece West Coast Ceilidh Band The Peatbog Faeries, recognised as one of Scotland’s best known contemporary folk music bands will complete Friday’s line-up.
On the Saturday (22nd June) night, award-winning Irish country music singer and songwriter, Derek Ryan, returns to headline the Highland Hoolie. He will be joined by Scottish singer Lisa McHugh, Highland accordionist and vocalist, Calum MacPhail and “Cotton Eye Joe” chart toppers, Rednex, who will make an exclusive appearance.
Welcoming families, this year the Royal Highland Hoolie will have a special family zone for those with children aged between five and twelve. With picnic tables and space for little ones to play, families can enjoy the music safely and away from the crowds.
The Royal Highland Hoolie is run in partnership with promoters Farmers Bash.
Nathan Evans said: “I’m so looking forward to playing at the Royal Highland Hoolie this weekend.
“It was brilliant fun to give a warm up gig on the tram which will be taking people to and from the Hoolie. It promises to be a great event!“
Derek Ryan said: “I am delighted to be headlining again at the Royal Highland Hoolie this year.
We love coming back to Scotland and have been regular visitors to the concert and festival circuits here for the last 12 years now. My Scottish fans never fail to deliver the enthusiasm, the excitement and the warm welcome we always receive here.
“The Royal Highland Hoolie is definitely the festival we look forward to every summer. Last year’s crowd and the incredible atmosphere is something I will never forget. I’m really looking forward to headlining once again and the line-up this year looks like it’s shaping up to be the best year yet.
“See you all on the 22nd June. Hold on to your hats!”
Mark Currie, Director of Venue for the Royal Highland Centre said: “The Royal Highland Hoolie brings together some of the very best of Scotland and Ireland’s homegrown talent to the Royal Highland Centre.
“With the Royal Highland Show one of Europe’s most prestigious agricultural shows, we are absolutely honoured to have some of the best names across folk and country music join us as to contribute towards what we hope to be a fantastic weekend for the agricultural and wider community.”
Farmers Bash promoter Nigel Campbell, added: “The Royal Highland Hoolie offers something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of the musicians involved or looking to enjoy an evening of live music with friends.
“We’re excited to have some fantastic names join our line-up this year and encourage those hoping to come along to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment.”
Various ticket types are available, including two combined Royal Highland Show and Royal Highland Hoolie tickets which allow for people to enjoy both events at a discounted rate with a limited number of Hoolie only tickets.
Ticket prices start at £35.00 and are available to buy from the Royal Highland Show website www.royalhighlandshow.org
Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams are today (3 June 2024) delighted to announce the launch of a new fully integrated bus and tram app.
The new app allows customers to plan their journeys in advance with reliable timetable information and real-time departure boards for each stop across Edinburgh and the Lothians. The platform was designed in partnership with technology company UrbanThings and Lothian’s in-house Commercial and Digital teams.
Users are able to plan all aspects of their journey in advance with newly developed integrated ticketing and planning features. Customers also have the option to purchase and gift tickets to friends and family for travel across the Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams networks.
Customers can travel around Edinburgh with the option to view real-time service updates on their chosen bus or tram stop, meaning users can plan and adapt to changes to the network while on the move.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director for Lothian said: “With over 2 million customer journeys per week, we are pleased to introduce our new bus and tram app which will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors to Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Bringing together journey planning and ticketing in one place will support seamless, integrated travel across both our bus and tram network with advanced accessibility features providing a more inclusive service for all of our customers.
“The introduction of the new digital platform marks an exciting time for our business and we look forward to continuing to work with the team at UrbanThings to further develop and enhance our overall customer experience.”
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, commented: “The launch of the new app marks another major step forward for the city’s integrated travel network, making it easier than ever for local residents and visitors alike to take full advantage of its excellent public transport options.
“Our multi-model tickets are already popular, and this new platform is set to encourage even more people to discover the benefits of both trams and buses.”
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “It’s great news that Lothian and Edinburgh Trams will have this fully integrated bus and tram app for residents and visitors to the city. Promoting and encouraging use of public transport, along with active travel, is a key priority for the Council.
“Edinburgh Trams is exceeding all expectations and the 2 million weekly passengers carried by Lothian Buses clearly demonstrates the continued growth of public transport in Edinburgh. The development of this new app is a really positive step forward and shows the benefits that an integrated transport system can bring.”
Adam Toone, CEO at UrbanThings, says: “We are really delighted to introduce the new bus and tram app. Our primary goal remains to empower passengers with a seamless platform while promoting the use of shared transport.
“With features such as convenient smartcard registration, mobile ticketing, and live journey planning, we are confident that this app will significantly enhance the travel experience in Edinburgh.”
Customers can download the app from the App Store or Google Play Store by searching for ‘Lothian Buses/Edinburgh Trams.’
A public consultation will help inform the Strategic Business Case for a tram route from Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond, if approved by councillors next week.
This would run through the city centre via Roseburn then on to North and South Bridge, Clerk Street and Minto Street to Cameron Toll, before following the A7 to the BioQuarter. Further consideration is being given to potential future routes into neighbouring local authorities.
If members agree to proceed, a 12-week consultation in spring 2024 would show participants the recommended route across the four sections (Granton – City Centre; through the City Centre; City Centre – BioQuarter; and BioQuarter and beyond) and explain why it has been chosen. It will include details of alternative options that have been explored and the reasons why these have been discounted.
Engagement builds on a consultation on the City Mobility Plan (CMP) in 2020/21, which found that 62% of respondents would like to see tram network expanded, and 89% desired general improvements to public transport. Exploring the expansion of the tram network is outlined in the CMP and supports aims to both reduce car kms travelled by 30% and become a net zero city by 2030.
Future plans would build on the success of Trams to Newhaven, which was completed on time in June 2023, and has contributed to the award-winning Edinburgh Trams service carrying more than 9 million passengers in the last year.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:“Like cities around the world we’re challenged by poor air quality, congestion and carbon emissions relating to transport.
“This, paired with a rapidly increasing population – projected to grow at three times the rate of Scotland’s – demonstrates the pressing need to rethink the way we move people and goods around the Capital.
“By improving public transport, we want to provide safe, efficient and affordable travel in Edinburgh, and expanding the tram network is key to this. It’s clear that the public support it too, with almost two-thirds of respondents to our CMP consultation in favour of more tram routes. Of course, we know how disruptive a project of this scale can be to residents and businesses, but the success of the recently completed line to Newhaven is proof that we’re well prepared.
“Our recommended route for Granton to the BioQuarter and beyond links key areas of growth and development to the city and will more than double the capacity of our tram network. Not only would this support local regeneration and the delivery of much-needed affordable homes, but it would help create new jobs, boost economic growth and link to educational and cultural venues along the route.
“We’re already engaging with Transport Scotland to explore financial options, and it’s encouraging that mass rapid transit in the area has been highlighted as an investment priority by the Scottish Government. We’ll continue to work closely with them and other stakeholders as we look to progress this major project.
“Alongside the existing line between the Airport and Newhaven, a Granton to BioQuarter tram service would also improve transport links to four priority investment zones identified in the City Plan 2030 – Waterfront, West Edinburgh, City Centre, and South-East Edinburgh – connecting major development sites, employment centres, retail hubs and educational facilities.”
If approved, the public consultation will run in spring 2024 and feedback received, along with a draft Strategic Business Case, would be reported to committee in autumn.
A report to Transport and Environment Committee has set out the Council’s understanding of the failures identified by Lord Hardie in delivery of the first phase of the tram project, and how lessons learned can ensure future delivery of major infrastructure projects can avoid similar issues.
This includes consideration of Lord Hardie’s recommendations relating to the Council, and an assessment of the consequences of the project’s failings, such as additional costs, disruption and impact on the Council’s reputation.
The report is accompanied by three other appendices covering: the financial cost and reporting of the tram project; whether any action is to be taken with employees as a result of the Inquiry’s findings and assurance of arrangements in place for Arm’s Length External Organisations (ALEO) and contractors; and an update on any possible legal action (the final to be considered in private).
These three reports will be considered by Governance Risk and Best Value Committee (GRBV) on 28 November and, along with the report to Transport and Environment Committee, will be referred to December’s Full Council for consideration.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Since the start of the Tram Inquiry we’ve completed the line to Newhaven and launched passenger services, the success of which was down to the hard work of the in-house project team and partners. It’s also thanks to lessons learned from the first project, and our own improvements to project management and governance, communication and independent oversight.
“It’s worth noting too that in the nine years since the line between Edinburgh Airport and York Place was built, the service has flourished to become a hugely successful transport route for thousands of residents and visitors each day.
“While we broadly agree with Lord Hardie’s recommendations, prior to the inquiry’s announcement we had already introduced processes and strategies to help avoid some of the problems experienced in the original tram project. Not only have we applied this in the construction of the line to Newhaven, but these lessons are hugely beneficial to other major infrastructure projects.
“Of course, scrutiny of the Inquiry’s findings has allowed us to provide further, robust assurance that we understand the factors that contributed to the difficulties in the first phase of tram delivery, and to build confidence in future infrastructure delivery. We want to make sure we continue learning and improving.
“We know that serious mistakes were made in the construction of the original tram line, which caused a great deal of disruption and concern for residents and businesses, as well as impacting the Council’s reputation. Once again, I want to apologise for this.
“Ultimately, creating a better connected, environmentally friendly transport system is essential for a modern, successful city and we need to transform the way people move around if we are to achieve our net zero goals.”
The Edinburgh Tram Inquiry report was published in September and provides an account of the original Edinburgh Tram project’s progress, identifying factors that contributed to difficulties in its delivery.
The independent inquiry was commissioned by the Scottish Government following the completion of the section of tram line between the airport and York Place in 2014. Its remit was to establish why the project was delivered years late, massively over budget and did not produce the promised ‘network’ – only part of one of the originally-promised lines was eventually delivered.
The Council’s response examines and acknowledges the findings made by the Inquiry, including those around governance, the need for independent legal advice and reporting practices. It also considers the implications for future project management.
While the report broadly agrees with Lord Hardie’s recommendation, it highlights that, since the original tram project, several processes and strategies have been put in place which have helped to avoid some of the problems experienced. It’s thanks to this approach, along with lessons learned from the original project, that we have successfully delivered the Trams to Newhaven line.
LESSONS LEARNED, BUT AT A TRULY MASSIVE COST TO EDINBURGH’S BUSINESSES AND THE HARD-PRESSED TAXPAYERS WHO FOOT THE BILL FOR FAILURE – Ed.
An all-night tram service is being lined up for weekends in August to help visitors and local residents to make the most of Edinburgh’s festival season.
Over the summer, the city hosts one of the world’s most popular celebrations of arts and culture, and Edinburgh Trams is gearing up to play its part in helping to keep the city moving as tens of thousands of people flock to Scotland’s capital.
In addition to daytime and evening services, which run from every seven minutes between the airport and Newhaven, trams will continue to serve all stops throughout the night on Fridays and Saturdays, so that people get home or back to their accommodation once the entertainment has come to a close.
Following the usual end of services around midnight, trams will then operate from every 20 minutes until 2am, then from every 30 minutes until the normal timetable commences the following day.
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams’ Managing Director, commented: “Alongside the main festival, August also sees the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo and fantastic Fringe performances during what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the city.
“Following the enormous success of late-night trams in previous festival seasons, we wanted to go the extra mile this year by running a 24-hour service over the weekend, which is a testament to our commitment as Scotland’s number one public transport operator.
“For further convenience, anyone heading for the festivals can avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot in or around the city centre by leaving their cars at Ingliston Park & Ride, which has over 1,000 spaces available and a tram stop.”
The operator’s normal range of tram tickets will be accepted at no extra cost when all-night trams are running and more information on great money-saving ticket deals can be found here.
TRAMS FIASCO REPORT HAS NOW BEEN NINE WEEKS AT PRINTERS
Lothians MSP Miles Briggs said: “It is a perplexing that the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry is still with the printers nine weeks after it was finalised.
“The inquiry was funded by taxpayers money and the public, who have already waited over nine years, have waited more than long enough to hear the findings.
“I am seeking answers to why the inquiry is on hold at the printers and if a review will be undertaken into the time and costs associated with the delivery of this inquiry.”
The sun shone on Leith yesterday (Wednesday, 7 June) when passenger services on Edinburgh’s new tram line to Newhaven were launched, with the help of the community along the route.
The first paying customers were able to board the service, operated by Edinburgh Trams, between Newhaven and Picardy Place (and onward to Edinburgh Airport) from 12pm.
To celebrate the occasion, a piper accompanied the first tram into the Picardy Place tram stop while members of Edinburgh’s Dance Base performed a specially choreographed ‘tram ballet’ outside St Mary’s Cathedral. The Council Leader then joined local school pupils to officially open the tram for service.
The 2.9 mile, eight stop route, which has been under construction since November 2019, has been delivered on schedule and within the £207.3m budget.
Over recent months rigorous testing to ensure the newly constructed line, software and signals work effectively and safely has included running trams at half and full speed and eventually to timetable, work to integrate signalling and interface with Edinburgh Trams’ control centre and driver familiarisation.
Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m delighted to be playing a part in this momentous occasion – the launch of tram passenger services between Picardy Place and Newhaven. It’s a real landmark moment for Edinburgh, as we bring this high capacity, sustainable and reliable service to the north of the city.
“I know many will share in my excitement, and optimism for the benefits this development will provide. We’ve already seen vast improvements to spaces along the route and long-term I’m looking forward to the impact it will have on the local economy, which even now we’re starting to see.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who live and own businesses along the route. They have shown such patience and resilience throughout this major, complex project and now I hope that they will really gain from the new service.
“This is also a chance to reflect on the hard work of those who have delivered this scheme. Thanks to the project team’s dedication, despite the challenges of recent years, I’m proud to say Trams to Newhaven has been delivered on time and within the £207.3m budget” (!!! See below – Ed.)
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, said: “The opening of the route will mark another momentous day for the city, and the entire Edinburgh Trams team stands ready to bring its acclaimed brand of service excellence to tens of thousands of new customers in the communities it serves.
“We’re also looking forward to delivering a real boost for local businesses, providing a convenient transport link between the city centre and some of Edinburgh’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, as well as key locations such as Ocean Terminal and Port of Leith.
“With trams from every seven minutes between 6am and midnight, seven days a week, our expanded tram timetable will help firms large and small to attract new business while helping their employees get to and from work.”
To mark the event, the earliest passengers were able to purchase ‘platinum’ tram tickets from machines at Picardy Place and Newhaven tram stops while Pulse of the Place, a vibrant youth samba band based in north Edinburgh, performed around the Newhaven tram stop.
The Guard of Honour from the High Constabulary of the Port of Leith also stood at Pilrig Street to welcome the tram into the historic Burgh of Leith wearing full parade dress, including top hats, whistles and ceremonial batons.
While the project will open for revenue services on 7 June 2023, outstanding public realm works will continue in some sections.
‘On time and on Budget? Well, no, not quite. The line to Newhaven was part of the original plan for Edinburgh’s tram network. That infamous project became a fiasco, delivering not a network but a SOLITARY LINE – and even that was years late and millions of pounds over budget!
Such was the scale of the shambles of Edinburgh’s tram project that a Public Enquiry was set up under Lord Hardie.
The Inquiry aims to establish why the Edinburgh Tram project incurred delays, cost more than originally budgeted and through reductions in scope delivered significantly less than projected.
The official terms of reference for the Inquiry are to:
Inquire into the delivery of the Edinburgh Tram project (‘the project’), from proposals for the project emerging to its completion, including the procurement and contract preparation, its governance, project management and delivery structures, and oversight of the relevant contracts, in order to establish why the project incurred delays, cost considerably more than originally budgeted for and delivered significantly less than was projected through reductions in scope.
Examine the consequences of the failure to deliver the project in the time, within the budget and to the extent projected.
Review the circumstances surrounding the project as necessary, in order to report to the Scottish Ministers making recommendations as to how major tram and light rail infrastructure projects of a similar nature might avoid such failures in future.
Lord Hardie’s Report into the Edinburgh Trams Project was finally handed over to the publishing company on 26 April and will be with them ‘for several weeks’.
We should find out soon just where all our missing millions went. Platinum tram tickets indeed – and we’ve certainly payed dearly for them!
Police are working with local partners to tackle anti-social behaviour following an increase in incidents linked with youth gatherings at Sighthill Public Park and on the tramline between Hermiston Gait and Balgreen.
Community policing teams in Edinburgh Southwest have been working closely with Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Trams and the Fire Service to put in place a strategy to combat anti-social behaviour and protect the local community.
As part of the strategy, called Operation Pillar, police have introduced high visibility patrols at peak times and increased CCTV coverage in key locations across the area to discourage anti-social behaviour and help with identifying those responsible where incidents do occur.
Officers will also be delivering educational inputs at local High Schools and implementing diversionary interventions with local young people.
Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton said: “We know that the increase in anti-social behaviour in the area has been a cause for concern to many in the community.
“For this reason we have been working closely with our local partners to put together a comprehensive strategy so we can tackle this issue head-on
“By establishing high visibility patrols and increasing CCTV coverage we expect to see a reduction in the number of incidents occurring and be able to catch those responsible where they do.
“Officers will be providing support to Council park rangers, tram staff and colleagues at the Fire Service so that any instances of anti-social behaviour can be dealt with effectively.
“Positive engagement with young people is also a key component of this strategy and by working with local schools we hope to prevent any incidents from happening in the first place.
“If anyone does however observe any anti-social behaviour or criminality, I would ask that people report through the 101 telephone number, or if it is an emergency to dial 999.
“Members of the public are also encouraged to speak with patrolling officers when they see them to highlight any issues or concerns.”
An Edinburgh Trams spokesperson said: “The safety and wellbeing of customers and employees is always our number one priority, and we work closely with the police and other partners to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour that are sometimes reported on the network.
“These partnerships include regular joint patrols with the police, while extensive, high quality CCTV coverage on the tramway enables us to react quickly to any incidents. Footage captured by our cameras can also be shared with the police to help them to identify those responsible.
“Trams are one of the safest forms of public transport and these measures provide further reassurance for our customers and colleagues.”
