Tram extension

[Stairway 2 7]

Timing couldn't be worse ouch. Council to unveil 1 billion plan to double tram length from Granton to South of the city, look into ferry from Newhaven to Kirkcaldy and possibility of opening suburban railway lines. Snp look in favour also, although want it sooner than December unveiling.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/20704555.edinburgh-city-council-launch-1bn-plans-build-north-south-tram-route/

[grunt]

Timing couldn't be worse ouch.
Strange take on it. The Council needs to invest in local transport infrastructure to improve life in the city.
Councils need to invest in their city and at the same time pay Council employees a fair wage.

[lapsedhibee]

Timing couldn't be worse ouch. Council to unveil 1 billion plan to double tram length from Granton to South of the city, look into ferry from Newhaven to Kirkcaldy and possibility of opening suburban railway lines. Snp look in favour also, although want it sooner than December unveiling.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/20704555.edinburgh-city-council-launch-1bn-plans-build-north-south-tram-route/

Does this mean extension from 'York Place to the south of the city' rather than 'Granton to the south of the city'?

[Stairway 2 7]

Does this mean extension from 'York Place to the south of the city' rather than 'Granton to the south of the city'?

Presumably Newhaven to Granton extension and also york place to South. Not sure if Granton via roseburn will happen as was suggested previously as an extension, to create a loop

[Stairway 2 7]

Strange take on it. The Council needs to invest in local transport infrastructure to improve life in the city.
Councils need to invest in their city and at the same time pay Council employees a fair wage.

I agree with infrastructure projects and helping to get net zero, but this project will undoubtedly be used as a if you can afford this don't give us real time wage cut. Plus it will be contentious enough anyway due to miss management of original project and some seeing it as a waste

[Paul1642]

A good decision to do it. Terrible timing for the announcement.

[Just Alf]

A good decision to do it. Terrible timing for the announcement.Yup, we do need to future proof transport in Edinburgh, not great about announcing it in the current climate though!

[IberianHibernian]

Encouraging that almost every comment here seems to think that tram extension plan is a good idea after all the negativity that surrounded original project .
Fery to Fife is also a good idea though was it not tried about 15 ( ? ) years ago but failed to get sufficient numbers . At that time , ferry was linked with bus which is always a problem if bad weather means no ferry or almost no passengers . Having a guaranteed tram from Newhaven helps in that respect . When second bridge was built was possibility of a tram on bridge considered ? Would have been a very obvious thing to include in plans - a tram between Fife and airport and Edinburgh would have been tremendous . Construction of bridge would probably have coincided with time of strong political opposition to tram project .

[Pretty Boy]

I take it the extension to the south is the one out to the Bioquarter/Inifrmary that was first suggested a couple of years back?

Would love to see that happen along with a partial reopening of some of the urban railways. I've liked the trams when I have used them, they just go nowhere near my house currently. A line out towards the south would change that.

We'll be the biggest city in Scotland long before the next century starts. We need to start (or maybe continue) preparing for that now.

[Mon Dieu4]

Hopefully the planning goes better this time, I'm all for trams but the ***** Leith and Newhaven have gone through over the last 5 or so years is shocking

[Iain G]

I take it the extension to the south is the one out to the Bioquarter/Inifrmary that was first suggested a couple of years back?

Would love to see that happen along with a partial reopening of some of the urban railways. I've liked the trams when I have used them, they just go nowhere near my house currently. A line out towards the south would change that.

We'll be the biggest city in Scotland long before the next century starts. We need to start (or maybe continue) preparing for that now.

They seem to just finally be building the original tramlines as planned 😁

[Ozyhibby]

Encouraging that almost every comment here seems to think that tram extension plan is a good idea after all the negativity that surrounded original project .
Fery to Fife is also a good idea though was it not tried about 15 ( ? ) years ago but failed to get sufficient numbers . At that time , ferry was linked with bus which is always a problem if bad weather means no ferry or almost no passengers . Having a guaranteed tram from Newhaven helps in that respect . When second bridge was built was possibility of a tram on bridge considered ? Would have been a very obvious thing to include in plans - a tram between Fife and airport and Edinburgh would have been tremendous . Construction of bridge would probably have coincided with time of strong political opposition to tram project .

Maybe they could put tram on the old bridge? Although I think the deck probably moves about a bit much for that?


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[gbhibby]

Opening up suburban railway lines should have been the first stage of any light railway transport plan.
The whole thing has been poorly planned and is not and will never give value for money. Edinburgh even before the bin strike is a scruffy city with weeds growing out of pavements and green areas not being maintained. As for the roads in and out of the airport they are a disgrace.
Get the basics sorted out before you start on any new vanity transport projects

[gbhibby]

Maybe they could put tram on the old bridge? Although I think the deck probably moves about a bit much for that?


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They should have constructed the access roads to both bridges to allow traffic to be diverted to the old bridge when there are major tailbacks going onto the Queensferry crossing. Remember there being huge tailbacks on the Queensferry crossing and using the old bridge (taxi) and being the only transport on the old bridge.

[He's here!]

Opening up suburban railway lines should have been the first stage of any light railway transport plan.
The whole thing has been poorly planned and is not and will never give value for money. Edinburgh even before the bin strike is a scruffy city with weeds growing out of pavements and green areas not being maintained. As for the roads in and out of the airport they are a disgrace.
Get the basics sorted out before you start on any new vanity transport projects

Agree re the railway lines. City wide would be next to impossibe unfortunately as many are now built over or have become cycle routes. A southern suburban line might be feasible tho as the track is still in use.

[Hibs4185]

I have no idea why the tram had to go out to the airport. As it stands it takes 40 mins to get out to the airport from the city centre.

They should have just taken a spur from the railway that lasses the airport and put a train station at the airport. Called it the Edinburgh express. People would be in the city centre in less than 15 minutes and would’ve cost 10 times less.

Reopening train stations around Edinburgh is a great idea

[Stairway 2 7]

I have no idea why the tram had to go out to the airport. As it stands it takes 40 mins to get out to the airport from the city centre.

They should have just taken a spur from the railway that lasses the airport and put a train station at the airport. Called it the Edinburgh express. People would be in the city centre in less than 15 minutes and would’ve cost 10 times less.

Reopening train stations around Edinburgh is a great idea

Tram is great to the airport, really easy to use a with luggage and wheelchairs, also isn't affected by the constant bad traffic near the airport. We need as many ways as possible to get people out of polluting cars

[Pretty Boy]

I have no idea why the tram had to go out to the airport. As it stands it takes 40 mins to get out to the airport from the city centre.

They should have just taken a spur from the railway that lasses the airport and put a train station at the airport. Called it the Edinburgh express. People would be in the city centre in less than 15 minutes and would’ve cost 10 times less.

Reopening train stations around Edinburgh is a great idea

I'm not sure a spur to the airport was possible.

My wife has relatives in Winchburgh and they have been campaigning for a train station due to the huge number of new houses in the past 2 or 3 years. They were told only last week that a feasibility study showed it isn't possible as the line runs at capacity and any spur to Winchburgh would impact the key central belt services. I'm assuming similar was looked at for the airport.

I'm not suggesting there is no way round it but I think the infrastructure project was going to be huge with a cost that run into silly money.

[gbhibby]

I'm not sure a spur to the airport was possible.

My wife has relatives in Winchburgh and they have been campaigning for a train station due to the huge number of new houses in the past 2 or 3 years. They were told only last week that a feasibility study showed it isn't possible as the line runs at capacity and any spur to Winchburgh would impact the key central belt services. I'm assuming similar was looked at for the airport.

I'm not suggesting there is no way round it but I think the infrastructure project was going to be huge with a cost that run into silly money.
I am sure the spur to the airport was looked at and costed out and it was feasible.They decided to build the ghost Gateway station at a cost of £41 million yes £41 million.

[bringbackbenny]

I am sure the spur to the airport was looked at and costed out and it was feasible.They decided to build the ghost Gateway station at a cost of £30million.

I think the discarded spur option was off the Fife Circle?

Be interesting to see what the passenger projections for Gateway are once all the new developments at West Craigs and Cammo are complete.

[Stairway 2 7]

They are looking to use the gateway station to enable them to reopen the line to St Andrews. Helping people getting the train tram to the airport from fife without having to go onto the city.

[overdrive]

I think the discarded spur option was off the Fife Circle?

Be interesting to see what the passenger projections for Gateway are once all the new developments at West Craigs and Cammo are complete.

It was the Fife Circle.

Gateway is a funny one. I sometimes use it as I live near South Gyle station and if there isn’t a train into town for a while there I’ll get on the other way and change at Gateway. There’s usually a look of surprise on the train staff’s faces that someone is getting on there. The strange thing is, there’s often folk on the train going to the airport but they don’t get off at Gateway to change to the tram, they get off at Haymarket and change to the tram which is really odd as it obviously takes longer and that was the precise reason for building Gateway. Is there an issue with awareness? Are there no announcements on the train prior to reaching Gateway?

Although the tram works are a nightmare, I’m fully supportive of more tram lines and reopening of train lines. I don’t know the feasibility of it, but it would be good see the south sub reopened as a (potentially light) metro separate to the national rail system with higher frequencies.

[degenerated]

I'm not sure a spur to the airport was possible.

My wife has relatives in Winchburgh and they have been campaigning for a train station due to the huge number of new houses in the past 2 or 3 years. They were told only last week that a feasibility study showed it isn't possible as the line runs at capacity and any spur to Winchburgh would impact the key central belt services. I'm assuming similar was looked at for the airport.

I'm not suggesting there is no way round it but I think the infrastructure project was going to be huge with a cost that run into silly money.Surely they could find a way of using the line that spurs from dalmeny through kirkliston and just north of winchburgh then onto linlithgow. Lucky if there's a train a week on that line.

[Ozyhibby]

It was the Fife Circle.

Gateway is a funny one. I sometimes use it as I live near South Gyle station and if there isn’t a train into town for a while there I’ll get on the other way and change at Gateway. There’s usually a look of surprise on the train staff’s faces that someone is getting on there. The strange thing is, there’s often folk on the train going to the airport but they don’t get off at Gateway to change to the tram, they get off at Haymarket and change to the tram which is really odd as it obviously takes longer and that was the precise reason for building Gateway. Is there an issue with awareness? Are there no announcements on the train prior to reaching Gateway?

Although the tram works are a nightmare, I’m fully supportive of more tram lines and reopening of train lines. I don’t know the feasibility of it, but it would be good see the south sub reopened as a (potentially light) metro separate to the national rail system with higher frequencies.

Maybe don’t like the extra walk at gateway to the tram stop? They could maybe put that under cover with travelators?


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[gbhibby]

Maybe don’t like the extra walk at gateway to the tram stop? They could maybe put that under cover with travelators?


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Is the cost from Haymarket not the same as the cost from Gateway station. Also not all trains stop at the Gateway station it may have changed but it was the case a few years ago. If you have four people travelling to the Airport it can be cheaper to get a taxi.

[stantonhibby]

Maybe don’t like the extra walk at gateway to the tram stop? They could maybe put that under cover with travelators?


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What extra walk?

[Ozyhibby]

What extra walk?

Is it not a bit of a trek from the gateway to the tram stop on the other side of the gyle car park?


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[stantonhibby]

Is it not a bit of a trek from the gateway to the tram stop on the other side of the gyle car park?


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There is a tram stop at Gateway

[Ozyhibby]

There is a tram stop at Gateway

Ah ok. I have never actually been on the tram.[emoji106]


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[Scouse Hibee]

There is a tram stop at Gateway

Is there? I never knew that, only ever use the tram as far as Gyle and back.

[CallumLaidlaw]

Is there? I never knew that, only ever use the tram as far as Gyle and back.

Yep, literally down the steps from the entrance of the station and you’re on the tram platform.

It’s a very busy station in morning and teatime rush hour.


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[overdrive]

Is there? I never knew that, only ever use the tram as far as Gyle and back.

Yep it was added in when the station opened and they replaced the staff stop at the depot with the Gateway stop so that it didn't impact end to end journey times. Staff have to get off at Gateway and walk to the depot now.

[Glory Lurker]

Gateway's for the future. Serious developments anticipated in that neck of the woods over next 20 years or so.

I'm not convinced by the south sub. If I want to get from Morningside to Princes Street, am I more likely to catch a bus that can drop me off at more than one stop on the street or a train that let's me off at the bottom of a hole at the east end? If prices aren't equal it becomes a no-brainer.

[overdrive]

Gateway's for the future. Serious developments anticipated in that neck of the woods over next 20 years or so.

I'm not convinced by the south sub. If I want to get from Morningside to Princes Street, am I more likely to catch a bus that can drop me off at more than one stop on the street or a train that let's me off at the bottom of a hole at the east end? If prices aren't equal it becomes a no-brainer.

It isn’t just about getting into Princes St though. We probably need to get away from the idea that all public transport goes through Princes St. The journey from Gorgie to Cameron Toll let’s say would be a lot quicker and easier than going via Princes St on various buses.

I use South Gyle station a lot and it can be cheaper than a bus (travelling with a couple’s railcard - pretty much comparable without).

Edit: it would take a bit of work to get the infrastructure in alignment but you could have it as a train-tram hybrid with on-street running in the city centre or have it come off at some point and have it grade separated and have it as a wee metro (pie in the sky granted).

[Pretty Boy]

It isn’t just about getting into Princes St though. We probably need to get away from the idea that all public transport goes through Princes St. The journey from Gorgie to Cameron Toll let’s say would be a lot quicker and easier than going via Princes St on various buses.

I use South Gyle station a lot and it can be cheaper than a bus (travelling with a couple’s railcard - pretty much comparable without).

Edit: it would take a bit of work to get the infrastructure in alignment but you could have it as a train-tram hybrid with on-street running in the city centre or have it come off at some point and have it grade separated and have it as a wee metro (pie in the sky granted).

Obviously access to the town centre has to be a consideration but for a commuter railway it doesn't necessarily have to be the overriding one.

A reopened station at Portobello opens up access to Musselburgh and onward to the rest of East Lothian. Likewise Craigmillar potentially opens up a branch to Brunstane and Newcraighall and on to the Borders line. In the west Gorgie links with Haymarket and on to Slateford, Wester Hailes, Currie and then Livingston. That Western end also allows transition on to the Fife line and the main Edinburgh to Glasgow route.

It's not without both logistical and cost challenges but if Edinburgh wants to be the capital of a new, hopefully thriving independent country that attracts inward investment then we need to grow up as a city. That means multiple mass transit options linking us to the rest of the country. That means a shift away from the 'but we have a good bus service donchaknow' mentality.

[gbhibby]

https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-inquiry-due-to-cost-same-amount-as-iraq-war-investigation-document-shows-3823983
FFS just another waste of money no control over expenditure.
Think we need an inquiry into the Tram inquiry.
The whole thing is a shambles and the project should have never have been allowed to start.
Most people could tell you what went wrong with the project on a piece of A4 paper.
Wish I had been part of the inquiry I would have made more than enough money to pay my energy bills.

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[cabbageandribs1875]

testing testing :hyper

2653426535

[greenginger]

testing testing :hyper

2653426535

Is there a roof hatch to wave the Cup out of ? :greengrin

[SteveHFC]

testing testing :hyper

2653426535

When's it due to be running?

[Mr Grieves]

When's it due to be running?

June

[He's here!]

https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-inquiry-due-to-cost-same-amount-as-iraq-war-investigation-document-shows-3823983
FFS just another waste of money no control over expenditure.
Think we need an inquiry into the Tram inquiry.
The whole thing is a shambles and the project should have never have been allowed to start.
Most people could tell you what went wrong with the project on a piece of A4 paper.
Wish I had been part of the inquiry I would have made more than enough money to pay my energy bills.

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I didn't see this when you posted it last year. Tram inquiry costing more than the Iraq War inquiry?? How is that possible...and how can it take so long? Staggering.

[Kato]

Think we need an inquiry into the Tram inquiry.



I said before it even started that there would be an inquiry into the inquiry.

They are obviously 1 Milking it. 2 Protecting people who are inept, guilty of skimming , both.

I like the tram and use it every day but the shambles surrounding it sums up that administration.

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[greenginger]

J
When's it due to be running?


https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/construction-information/proposed-timelines

last month they said it would open spring 2023.

[Hibs4185]

Excellent news for everyone in around Leith, hopefully some normality soon!

[Smartie]

I moved to Leith, down near Ocean Terminal, in June 2004. The flat I'm in was a bit out of my price range at the time but I justified it by thinking that it would probably increase in value by the time the trams were finished and it would be a good investment.

Fast forward to 2023 and I'm looking at bringing up a family of 4 in that same 2 bedroom flat.

It feels like it's been hanging over us in some shape or form the whole time, and it feels somewhat weird that it might be nearing completion.

I'm going to need to either start being on time for stuff or think of a new excuse for being late.

[He's here!]

I moved to Leith, down near Ocean Terminal, in June 2004. The flat I'm in was a bit out of my price range at the time but I justified it by thinking that it would probably increase in value by the time the trams were finished and it would be a good investment.

Fast forward to 2023 and I'm looking at bringing up a family of 4 in that same 2 bedroom flat.

It feels like it's been hanging over us in some shape or form the whole time, and it feels somewhat weird that it might be nearing completion.

I'm going to need to either start being on time for stuff or think of a new excuse for being late.

That whole part of town does have a feel of the land that time forgot. I remember being at a party to celebrate the opening of Ocean Terminal back in the 90s and there was, as you say, a sense that this was an area on the up. Ocean Terminal is now something of a white elephant with barely a single shop there that would draw you in. Many of the units are empty, although there's an interesting charity hub in the old Debenham's store which is home to a number of clubs and a local history museum of sorts.

Fingers crossed once the trams are finally up and running you'll see the value of your property climb.

[Paul1642]

I didn't see this when you posted it last year. Tram inquiry costing more than the Iraq War inquiry?? How is that possible...and how can it take so long? Staggering.

An absolutely insane amount of money. I can’t even comprehend how an inquiry could cost so much money. How many people are working on this enquiry and what on earth are they getting paid / spending so much money on?

We seem as a nation (Uk) to hold an enquiry into hundreds of things. What do these enquires actually achieve other than being able to point out that things were done wrong, which we all already know. They don’t seem to stop the next project having the same problems and if they are costing millions of pounds each go are they actually beneficial?

£13 million could have achieved something pretty impressive for Edinburgh. I would much rather have potholes repaired or better cycle lanes, defibs in more public places (I could make a huge list here).

[stuart-farquhar]

An absolutely insane amount of money. I can’t even comprehend how an inquiry could cost so much money. How many people are working on this enquiry and what on earth are they getting paid / spending so much money on?

We seem as a nation (Uk) to hold an enquiry into hundreds of things. What do these enquires actually achieve other than being able to point out that things were done wrong, which we all already know. They don’t seem to stop the next project having the same problems and if they are costing millions of pounds each go are they actually beneficial?

£13 million could have achieved something pretty impressive for Edinburgh. I would much rather have potholes repaired or better cycle lanes, defibs in more public places (I could make a huge list here).

I agree. Potholes. Plus we could have deported cyclists to Australia.

[Loopz]

26536

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

26536

What a plum! 🙄

[gbhibby]

https://youtu.be/VcuouZ48rB4
Testing the line now. How many years ago was this to have been completed?

The people in high vis beside the tram remind me of mourners walking alongside a hearse



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[greenlex]

https://youtu.be/VcuouZ48rB4
Testing the line now. How many years ago was this to have been completed?

The people in high vis beside the tram remind me of mourners walking alongside a hearse



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My mate Davie driving the thing. Christ he looks auld. :greengrin

[cabbageandribs1875]

Leith Walk related, apparently witnessed driving up leith walk rather fast then took out new traffic lights at McDonald Road

hope he's billed

https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/336892771_2142163506174535_8572282141481400316_n.j pg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=OgKqCDgV8WEAX9-TGqW&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&oh=00_AfBUhDFYTQE4cZFTkDx1B7ZeJlRKYsed9gQBSDUelGbi WA&oe=64210119

[gbhibby]

My mate Davie driving the thing. Christ he looks auld. :greengrin
Considering he was still at Primary School when the project started😁

[greenlex]

Considering he was still at Primary School when the project started😁 :greengrin

[cabbageandribs1875]

Mmmm not so good

https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/336069027_1188354278710601_3286502199547626380_n.j pg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=45aW9jOmG_gAX_Ea5XL&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&oh=00_AfCvolTWmArv_N581JSsJ4va1s6S-9y5-Epyui26U0x1rw&oe=642A71FB

[Billy Whizz]

Has anyone heard or seen anything, when the Leith Walk section will open up?
Was wondering if I’d be able to use it at the last home game?

[Mon Dieu4]

Has anyone heard or seen anything, when the Leith Walk section will open up?
Was wondering if I’d be able to use it at the last home game?

Towards mid to the end of June is the plan, that way they can claim it's been done to their target of "spring" 2023

[Billy Whizz]

Towards mid to the end of June is the plan, that way they can claim it's been done to their target of "spring" 2023

That’s what I thought too😀

[Jack]

I'm sure I once heard the 8th of June mentioned once. Spring thereafter.

[greenginger]

Driving down Leith Walk this morning and saw a tram coming up Constitution Street at the foot of the Walk.

It was just a trial tram but it was being run with traffic on the road so must be getting nearer launch day.

[connerg]

An absolutely insane amount of money. I can’t even comprehend how an inquiry could cost so much money. How many people are working on this enquiry and what on earth are they getting paid / spending so much money on?

We seem as a nation (Uk) to hold an enquiry into hundreds of things. What do these enquires actually achieve other than being able to point out that things were done wrong, which we all already know. They don’t seem to stop the next project having the same problems and if they are costing millions of pounds each go are they actually beneficial?

£13 million could have achieved something pretty impressive for Edinburgh. I would much rather have potholes repaired or better cycle lanes, defibs in more public places (I could make a huge list here).

Enquiry after enquiry keeps them and their pals in jobs. Bairns at Primary School could work out what went wrong.

[Gatecrasher]

Driving down Leith Walk this morning and saw a tram coming up Constitution Street at the foot of the Walk.

It was just a trial tram but it was being run with traffic on the road so must be getting nearer launch day.

They have been running fairly regularly for around a week.

[cabbageandribs1875]

oh dear :greengrin

https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/345620293_567177738624957_3995075585440857708_n.jp g?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=kQigbwlrxzAAX_SqdV8&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&oh=00_AfD7xfptU7R3QMQtGAKILL4pdSWz5lvfEdRyi_RroXQm 3A&oe=64606FBF

[Jack]

oh dear :greengrin

https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/345620293_567177738624957_3995075585440857708_n.jp g?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=kQigbwlrxzAAX_SqdV8&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&oh=00_AfD7xfptU7R3QMQtGAKILL4pdSWz5lvfEdRyi_RroXQm 3A&oe=64606FBF

Nips ma heid folk wandering across the road reading their phones! I have to say though that is a particularly bad spot for pensioners not looking, scurrying across the road head down in a 'if I can't see the cars they don't exist' sort of way!

Oh aye. The council saying they were taking advantage of this tram project to rationalise and reduce the amount of road signs and street furniture. Well that would be except muckle great tree planters/ashtrays, no left turn, no U turn etc.

[Ozyhibby]

Nips ma heid folk wandering across the road reading their phones! I have to say though that is a particularly bad spot for pensioners not looking, scurrying across the road head down in a 'if I can't see the cars they don't exist' sort of way!

Oh aye. The council saying they were taking advantage of this tram project to rationalise and reduce the amount of road signs and street furniture. Well that would be except muckle great tree planters/ashtrays, no left turn, no U turn etc.

With most cars now having satnav you would think we should be able to massively cut down in road signs?


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[McD]

With most cars now having satnav you would think we should be able to massively cut down in road signs?


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an awful lot of older cars without satnavs still out on the roads though, and for some models with it inbuilt, it can be laborious and costly to get them updated as new roads are introduced

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-65548175?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Original inquiry complete.


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[Kato]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-65548175?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Original inquiry complete.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk"building a network of tram lines at a cost of £375m by 2009"

What a joke. But double funny if you had a seat on a quango or owned a hole digging company.

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[overdrive]

I'm sure I once heard the 8th of June mentioned once. Spring thereafter.

A wee bit of insider info I’ve received… grand opening of the new bit of track will be 31st May.

[Jack]

A wee bit of insider info I’ve received… grand opening of the new bit of track will be 31st May.

Cheers 😉

[greenginger]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-65548175?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

Original inquiry complete.


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The enquiry report will probably come up with the answer 42.

( as per Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy). :greengrin

[grunt]

A wee bit of insider info I’ve received… grand opening of the new bit of track will be 31st May.One day too late to catch the tram to Murrayfield for Springsteen. :brickwall

[Pretty Boy]

The enquiry report will probably come up with the answer 42.

( as per Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy). :greengrin

There will be an enquiry into the enquiry. The gravy tram keeps on rolling.

[BroxburnHibee]

This was taken from a Railway magazine recently.......

26724

[Ozyhibby]

This was taken from a Railway magazine recently.......

26724

Let’s hope so. [emoji1696]


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[Bristolhibby]

One day too late to catch the tram to Murrayfield for Springsteen. :brickwall

Probably why they did it on the 31st.

It makes my flying up to ER for a game much more accessible.

Get off the plane, straight onto a tram to Leith.

J

[overdrive]

A wee bit of insider info I’ve received… grand opening of the new bit of track will be 31st May.

This apparently isn’t happening anymore and has been put back due to some defects found. Sorry for getting anyone’s hopes up. We were looking forward to it as we have dinner booked in Leith on the 31st and it would have been pretty much a door to door journey on the tram for us.

[SHODAN]

Looking forward for this to be completed in time for the start of the 2024-25 season.

[cabbageandribs1875]

good luck to the good folk of Leith etc etc with these parking permits/charges Parking permits – The City of Edinburgh Council (https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parking-permits?fbclid=IwAR1Sl7geookPjMMsoV3HZth6Zh6DRFOKO KDRxzKsbrGobBGCfqxK57sbAoA)

not great but you can see some of the Zones/prices
https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/348823513_668857161734356_8256701518162194033_n.jp g?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=bpi5riABi0wAX9fT484&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCqwe8Hq0DYqCOqKj46Qekb43ePcIUfVgbb8BfNNuNv mw&oe=6471590F


https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/348820585_1221724252041653_2977649448807502442_n.j pg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=CAxOETZFYI0AX_jeIR8&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAq0YH36xQQzMbBcJRKS2FHFTV62nR4i_uMLV2MsLjU gA&oe=647096EB



https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/348941642_623741942989985_8308197826274680728_n.jp g?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=X98sirH3t68AX-OzyxL&_nc_oc=AQl0Z7EATNcelSpU1HE-z8onh_i9inO5DRfYjJ5zNqNZoItF14Od5FsWvsqwN-uOM-M&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&oh=00_AfAQcFGALcOE8lBp3fD_EqBZZP8CuEilDX8Pw8JqlDlc hQ&oe=647171FC

[AFKA5814_Hibs]

good luck to the good folk of Leith etc etc with these parking permits/charges Parking permits – The City of Edinburgh Council (https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/parking-permits?fbclid=IwAR1Sl7geookPjMMsoV3HZth6Zh6DRFOKO KDRxzKsbrGobBGCfqxK57sbAoA)

not great but you can see some of the Zones/prices
https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/348823513_668857161734356_8256701518162194033_n.jp g?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=bpi5riABi0wAX9fT484&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCqwe8Hq0DYqCOqKj46Qekb43ePcIUfVgbb8BfNNuNv mw&oe=6471590F


https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/348820585_1221724252041653_2977649448807502442_n.j pg?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=CAxOETZFYI0AX_jeIR8&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAq0YH36xQQzMbBcJRKS2FHFTV62nR4i_uMLV2MsLjU gA&oe=647096EB



https://scontent.fman1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/348941642_623741942989985_8308197826274680728_n.jp g?stp=cp6_dst-jpg&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=X98sirH3t68AX-OzyxL&_nc_oc=AQl0Z7EATNcelSpU1HE-z8onh_i9inO5DRfYjJ5zNqNZoItF14Od5FsWvsqwN-uOM-M&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-2.fna&oh=00_AfAQcFGALcOE8lBp3fD_EqBZZP8CuEilDX8Pw8JqlDlc hQ&oe=647171FC

I work in the area. Have parked my car outside my work for the last 18 years, won't be able to that from 26th June when the metered parking and permit holder spaces come into force. Can't get a residents permit or business permit (car not registered to business or classed as essential to the work). Will either have to park the car miles away or get two buses. TBH, with all the new road closures in the area which are giving priority to pedestrians and buses, Burgess Street, the bridge at Sandport Place, Leith Links, The Shore to name but a few, it'll probably too much hassle to drive in the area anyway.:rolleyes:

[J-C]

TRy dropping someone off after Balfour St, it's basically single lane all the way down to the bottom with zero places to drop off except a bus stop just before Manderson St, tough sh it if I have an elderly/disabled passenger in the taxi, they'll have to walk a fair bit.

[Ozyhibby]

I work in the area. Have parked my car outside my work for the last 18 years, won't be able to that from 26th June when the metered parking and permit holder spaces come into force. Can't get a residents permit or business permit (car not registered to business or classed as essential to the work). Will either have to park the car miles away or get two buses. TBH, with all the new road closures in the area which are giving priority to pedestrians and buses, Burgess Street, the bridge at Sandport Place, Leith Links, The Shore to name but a few, it'll probably too much hassle to drive in the area anyway.:rolleyes:

That’s kind of the plan for the city. Force people out their cars and onto public transport.


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[SteveHFC]

That’s kind of the plan for the city. Force people out their cars and onto public transport.


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Will just be a matter of time until cars are banned completely in the city centre.

[hibee_girl]

I work in the area. Have parked my car outside my work for the last 18 years, won't be able to that from 26th June when the metered parking and permit holder spaces come into force. Can't get a residents permit or business permit (car not registered to business or classed as essential to the work). Will either have to park the car miles away or get two buses. TBH, with all the new road closures in the area which are giving priority to pedestrians and buses, Burgess Street, the bridge at Sandport Place, Leith Links, The Shore to name but a few, it'll probably too much hassle to drive in the area anyway.:rolleyes:

Nightmare isn’t it? A journey that should only take me 5 minutes took me 20 this morning :grr:

[Ozyhibby]

Will just be a matter of time until cars are banned completely in the city centre.

I agree.


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[SteveHFC]

I agree.


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Which would would effect businesses in the area.

[Ozyhibby]

Which would would effect businesses in the area.

Maybe not negatively though? Cities which are further down the road with this than Edinburgh seem to be thriving with it.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90456075/here-are-11-more-neighborhoods-that-have-joined-the-car-free-revolution


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[Hibs4185]

TRy dropping someone off after Balfour St, it's basically single lane all the way down to the bottom with zero places to drop off except a bus stop just before Manderson St, tough sh it if I have an elderly/disabled passenger in the taxi, they'll have to walk a fair bit.

I came out of Annandale street and turned left down Leith Walk. Was trying to get to sir Harry lauder road.

Has to go all the way down to Duke Street.

How on earth they expect businesses etc to survive with the lack of parking is crazy. I think the bike lanes are the problem. If they got rid of these it could Create space for more parking.

My auntie is getting pretty old and she is always nearly involved in accidents with bikes.

[Ozyhibby]

I came out of Annandale street and turned left down Leith Walk. Was trying to get to sir Harry lauder road.

Has to go all the way down to Duke Street.

How on earth they expect businesses etc to survive with the lack of parking is crazy. I think the bike lanes are the problem. If they got rid of these it could Create space for more parking.

My auntie is getting pretty old and she is always nearly involved in accidents with bikes.

That’s the opposite of what they are trying to achieve. They are trying to cut the amount of parking spaces.


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[Hibs4185]

That’s the opposite of what they are trying to achieve. They are trying to cut the amount of parking spaces.


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That may be the plan but it’s just not sustainable. What do delivery guys do? Parcels and internet shopping are only growing so demand for vans etc is only going to increase

[hibee_girl]

That’s the opposite of what they are trying to achieve. They are trying to cut the amount of parking spaces.


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Yep, they were putting double yellow lines down beside Leith Primary this morning.

I understand they want people to walk to school etc but it’s just not possible for everyone. God knows what it’s going to be like down there next week.

[Ozyhibby]

That may be the plan but it’s just not sustainable. What do delivery guys do? Parcels and internet shopping are only growing so demand for vans etc is only going to increase

https://www.goodnet.org/articles/9-european-cities-that-are-making-great-strides-to-become-car-free

They will do what they do in these cities.


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[Ozyhibby]

Yep, they were putting double yellow lines down beside Leith Primary this morning.

I understand they want people to walk to school etc but it’s just not possible for everyone. God knows what it’s going to be like down there next week.

The vast majority of children can walk or use public transport to get to school.


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[tamig]

The vast majority of children can walk or use public transport to get to school.


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Bit of a sweeping statement and doesn’t really address the issue at hand.

[Stairway 2 7]

Bit of a sweeping statement and doesn’t really address the issue at hand.

Don't think it's sweeping just pretty factual. Will be well above 90% the amount of kids who live within a twenty minute walk to their school, disgusting the amount of kids who get driven 2 minutes to school.

We need to reduce driving in our cities. Yes there is a small % that need cars for work or mobility, but the vast majority of us could dramatically decrease our use

We can't complain about climate change and then not want to do anything about it.

[Hibrandenburg]

Don't think it's sweeping just pretty factual. Will be well above 90% the amount of kids who live within a twenty minute walk to their school, disgusting the amount of kids who get driven 2 minutes to school.

We need to reduce driving in our cities. Yes there is a small % that need cars for work or mobility, but the vast majority of us could dramatically decrease our use

We can't complain about climate change and then not want to do anything about it.

Whatever did we do when most families couldn't afford a car?

[tamig]

Don't think it's sweeping just pretty factual. Will be well above 90% the amount of kids who live within a twenty minute walk to their school, disgusting the amount of kids who get driven 2 minutes to school.

We need to reduce driving in our cities. Yes there is a small % that need cars for work or mobility, but the vast majority of us could dramatically decrease our use

We can't complain about climate change and then not want to do anything about it.

Appreciate what you’re saying and although Edinburgh has fairly decent public transport there’s still a long way to go before it will tempt a lot of drivers out of their cars. What they’ve done to Leith Walk could have been better planned imo. No option to turn east as you travel north down the Walk until you hit Duke Street is very poor imo. I know full well why its been done but its a pain in the arse for those of us who live in the area and travel from work locations on the west of the city.

[Ozyhibby]

Appreciate what you’re saying and although Edinburgh has fairly decent public transport there’s still a long way to go before it will tempt a lot of drivers out of their cars. What they’ve done to Leith Walk could have been better planned imo. No option to turn east as you travel north down the Walk until you hit Duke Street is very poor imo. I know full well why its been done but its a pain in the arse for those of us who live in the area and travel from work locations on the west of the city.

I’m a total hypocrite because I use my car a lot more than I really need too but I have been using public transport a lot more recently and I have to say, the system in Edinburgh is pretty good.
The biggest obstacle to increasing usage is changing peoples attitudes. Deep down we all know we can use public transport more than we do. And we all know that our road network can’t cope with us all in cars and that if we do, the city is a worse place to live with slow moving and parked cars everywhere. Not to mention the people dying due to the pollution levels.


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[Pretty Boy]

Don't think it's sweeping just pretty factual. Will be well above 90% the amount of kids who live within a twenty minute walk to their school, disgusting the amount of kids who get driven 2 minutes to school.

We need to reduce driving in our cities. Yes there is a small % that need cars for work or mobility, but the vast majority of us could dramatically decrease our use

We can't complain about climate change and then not want to do anything about it.

My daughter walks to school with my wife every day and I walk or run to work 4 days out of 5 so I really have no horse in this race now.

However I think the distance to school is only one consideration. When my daughter was at nursery and before my wife changed her work hours to suit our circumstances more I was responsible for getting her to nursery. It was about 5 minutes from home so perfectly walkable, they started at 8.30 though and I had to be at work in Leith at 9. Not possible either walking or using public transport so I had to take the car. There will be many others in the same boat, drop a child at school as part of an onward journey with real time constraints rather than it being a stand alone journey in itself.

We were fortunate in that we were able to negotiate hour changes with our bosses to work around school and now nursery for the wee man. In theory our previous arrangement was walkable, in reality it wasn't at all practical and was in actuality impossible. I doubt many people would be willing to let a 5 year old walk to school alone these days either.

I don't think it's a new thing either. When I was in about P1-3 my mum literally dumped me out the car at school then continued on to work. As we got older we walked as a group. It was probably less of an issue in the days before both parents working was commonplace as it is now.

Maybe there is opportunity for local school buses or walk to school clubs with adult supervision and hubs as meeting points.

[Sylar]

Start of 2024/2025 season means what, exactly? It's a bit of a whopping failure if they're not ready by the time we hit Festival season.

[Jack]

Official grand opening Wednesday, June 7.

[overdrive]

Start of 2024/2025 season means what, exactly? It's a bit of a whopping failure if they're not ready by the time we hit Festival season.

Think it was a joke that they'd maybe be ready by the start of that football season for getting to/from ER.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Edinburgh trams to Newhaven long-awaited launch date for passengers announced - Edinburgh Live (https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-trams-newhaven-long-awaited-26988197?fbclid=IwAR2OyuzWzEwhEoZRiY9ia5Wt3ICw073v gQ8T1tAOqCccNLKlYsbKhEZgVow)


didn't realise the distance between stops on Leith Walk as i've avoided the walk for the last few years, for an older person that's quite a distance between McDonald Road and Balfour Street


was hoping their would have been a stop at Pilrig St, comfortable walking distance across the road to Robbies :whistle:

[Stairway 2 7]

Edinburgh trams to Newhaven long-awaited launch date for passengers announced - Edinburgh Live (https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-trams-newhaven-long-awaited-26988197?fbclid=IwAR2OyuzWzEwhEoZRiY9ia5Wt3ICw073v gQ8T1tAOqCccNLKlYsbKhEZgVow)


didn't realise the distance between stops on Leith Walk as i've avoided the walk for the last few years, for an older person that's quite a distance between McDonald Road and Balfour Street


was hoping their would have been a stop at Pilrig St, comfortable walking distance across the road to Robbies :whistle:
Must be a 2 minute walk to robbies from balfour ha, could get a stories for the journey or a pint in the harp

[cabbageandribs1875]

I work in the area. Have parked my car outside my work for the last 18 years, won't be able to that from 26th June when the metered parking and permit holder spaces come into force. Can't get a residents permit or business permit (car not registered to business or classed as essential to the work). Will either have to park the car miles away or get two buses. TBH, with all the new road closures in the area which are giving priority to pedestrians and buses, Burgess Street, the bridge at Sandport Place, Leith Links, The Shore to name but a few, it'll probably too much hassle to drive in the area anyway.:rolleyes:


i honestly feel for ya :agree: i feel hard done by just having to park my car away down outside Rosebank cemetery nowayears if i take the car in for games, having grown up in Pilrig street i can't believe just how hopeless the chance is of getting parked between Arthur street and Bonnington the past few decades :greengrin and spey terrace(double parking) and Dryden st must be terrible for folk that live in that area with a car, but at least now the Trams are upon us i'll most likely make use of the park and ride at Ingliston :)

[cabbageandribs1875]

Must be a 2 minute walk to robbies from balfour ha, could get a stories for the journey or a pint in the harp


nah much easier walking down the slope, McDonald road it is :)

[cabbageandribs1875]

outside robbies..


https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/349085017_3553044711598022_2263430915198259534_n.j pg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=1GeGCKScJgYAX9QIeZl&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBlZW1nmkQwDule4Xhnp_ERUXDZuW3epG-YBOAVQqHFlg&oe=64751BBB

[Kato]

outside robbies..


https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/349085017_3553044711598022_2263430915198259534_n.j pg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=1GeGCKScJgYAX9QIeZl&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBlZW1nmkQwDule4Xhnp_ERUXDZuW3epG-YBOAVQqHFlg&oe=64751BBBLooks like the mechanism for old cable car system. Was this dug up?

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[cabbageandribs1875]

Looks like the mechanism for old cable car system. Was this dug up?

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i think that's what they found when they started digging up outside the Boundary bar or Pilrig Church, i'll do a wee search


one article Historic tram cable wheels returned to original Leith site after a century – The City of Edinburgh Council (https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/13697/historic-tram-cable-wheels-returned-to-original-leith-site-after-a-century#:~:text=The%20wheels%2C%20dated%20to%20189 8%2C%20are%20each%202.6m,in%20August%202021%20duri ng%20Trams%20to%20Newhaven%20excavations.)

[Kato]

i think that's what they found when they started digging up outside the Boundary bar or Pilrig Church, i'll do a wee search


one article Historic tram cable wheels returned to original Leith site after a century – The City of Edinburgh Council (https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/13697/historic-tram-cable-wheels-returned-to-original-leith-site-after-a-century#:~:text=The%20wheels%2C%20dated%20to%20189 8%2C%20are%20each%202.6m,in%20August%202021%20duri ng%20Trams%20to%20Newhaven%20excavations.)Nice. Thanks

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[Ozyhibby]

outside robbies..


https://scontent.fman1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/349085017_3553044711598022_2263430915198259534_n.j pg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=1GeGCKScJgYAX9QIeZl&_nc_ht=scontent.fman1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBlZW1nmkQwDule4Xhnp_ERUXDZuW3epG-YBOAVQqHFlg&oe=64751BBB

That will be great for people in Iona Street, having a nice pedestrian zone outside their house.


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[Billy Whizz]

7th June is the date to go to Newhaven

[J-C]

I took an old lady from the Western hospital to Gordon Ct yesterday, these are my route choices.
Crewe Toll- Ferry Rd-Gt Junction-Duke St.
Stockbridge-Drummond Pl-London St-Anandale St-Leith Walk-Duke St.
As above but via either McDonald Rd or Pilrig St.
Or up to York Place along London Rd and down Easter Rd.

This council have just made Edinburgh an absolute joke.

[Billy Whizz]

Tomorrow 12noon goes live

[Ozyhibby]

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jun/06/new-tram-leith-to-edinburgh-food-drink-guide


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[BS44]

I'm doing CPC course at Lothian Buses today and the guy taking it told us that the next phase out to Little France has got the go ahead.

And a little bit of good news, the no left turn on to London Road from Elm Row will soon be changed to allow traffic to make that turn

[Ozyhibby]

I'm doing CPC course at Lothian Buses today and the guy taking it told us that the next phase out to Little France has got the go ahead.

And a little bit of good news, the no left turn on to London Road from Elm Row will soon be changed to allow traffic to make that turn

Great news. We need to turn it into a complete network.


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[Pretty Boy]

I'm doing CPC course at Lothian Buses today and the guy taking it told us that the next phase out to Little France has got the go ahead.

And a little bit of good news, the no left turn on to London Road from Elm Row will soon be changed to allow traffic to make that turn

Thank god re the left turn.

I rarely take the car to work but the no left turn has caused havoc with traffic on Leith Street and other routes on to Picardy Place that ****s my bus home. Delayed by 18, 25 and 30 minutes last week alone.

I support getting people out their cars and do my bit by walking or running to work 5 days and walking home 2 of those. On the other 3 days I need motorised transport and it needs to run broadly to time. If you try to disincentive car use then great but if it also snarls up public transport then it's counter productive. On an alternative route I can do the same journey by car in half the time, I've resisted the temptation so far but excuses for being late home after work to let my wife go to work are wearing thin.

Expansion of the tram network is also welcome. It's still a bit toytown at the moment. Hopefully a complete network over the next couple of decades coupled with serious studies going into reopening or redesignation of freight rail lines will see us have a transport network truly fit for purpose for an ever growing city and metro area.

[Billy Whizz]

I'm doing CPC course at Lothian Buses today and the guy taking it told us that the next phase out to Little France has got the go ahead.

And a little bit of good news, the no left turn on to London Road from Elm Row will soon be changed to allow traffic to make that turn
Will this go up the Bridges and past the Royal?

I’ve got a friend who lives in Danderhall, and he doesn’t get the tram as part of his over 60’s travel card, as he’s under East Lothian Council

[SteveHFC]

I'm doing CPC course at Lothian Buses today and the guy taking it told us that the next phase out to Little France has got the go ahead.

And a little bit of good news, the no left turn on to London Road from Elm Row will soon be changed to allow traffic to make that turn

Some cyclists on Twitter won't be happy at that news.

[LaMotta]

Some cyclists on Twitter won't be happy at that news.

Edward Tissiman will become Edward Hissyfit:greengrin

[Pretty Boy]

Edward Tissiman will become Edward Hissyfit:greengrin

He's some boy him. Must just spend all day walking or cycling up and down Leith Walk with his phone out. I'd like his job.

Unrelated but I'm going to try a tram pub crawl at some point. Similar to the Glasgow sub crawl. Some cracking pubs on the route, reckon it could be fun.

[SteveHFC]

Edward Tissiman will become Edward Hissyfit:greengrin

Deacon won’t be pleased either. :greengrin

[LaMotta]

He's some boy him. Must just spend all day walking or cycling up and down Leith Walk with his phone out. I'd like his job.

Unrelated but I'm going to try a tram pub crawl at some point. Similar to the Glasgow sub crawl. Some cracking pubs on the route, reckon it could be fun.

Aye the pub crawl is a defo for me too, I can walk to Haymarket within 10 mins to get to the tram there so really easy for me now. Will be great for getting to Easter Road as well now.

Businesses in Leith have put up with a lot but they really should see the benefits now.

[LaMotta]

Deacon won’t be pleased either. :greengrin

:hilarious

[BroxburnHibee]

I'm doing CPC course at Lothian Buses today and the guy taking it told us that the next phase out to Little France has got the go ahead.

And a little bit of good news, the no left turn on to London Road from Elm Row will soon be changed to allow traffic to make that turn

Hope that's true about the left turn. In a sea of stupid decisions this council has made, that one was absolutely ridiculous!!!!

[Mon Dieu4]

Hope that's true about the left turn. In a sea of stupid decisions this council has made, that one was absolutely ridiculous!!!!

Someone cynical would say it wasn't stupid in the slightest and they actually wanted people going up Leith Walk to go into the new congestion charge zone before coming back down to get to London Road, even if that is a mental claim I'm sure I read into their "findings" at the time and they claimed that only about 17 cars in an hour turned left from Leith Walk into London Road, they probably carried out the study at about 3 in the morning during lockdown as I remember thinking their findings sounded absolute pish

[BroxburnHibee]

Councillor Arthur tried to claim when challenged on it that traffic models showed the no left turn was better for traffic flow. Wonder what his next line of **** will be

[Smartie]

Someone cynical would say it wasn't stupid in the slightest and they actually wanted people going up Leith Walk to go into the new congestion charge zone before coming back down to get to London Road, even if that is a mental claim I'm sure I read into their "findings" at the time and they claimed that only about 17 cars in an hour turned left from Leith Walk into London Road, they probably carried out the study at about 3 in the morning during lockdown as I remember thinking their findings sounded absolute pish

I have a business at the West End. The road outside the business is currently dug up (and will be for a while longer) as they're doing the work to extend the cycle route.

I'm actually in favour of the changes but when they were at the "consultation stage" I engaged with them for a short while until I realised that it was absolutely futile. Some of the research and "evidence" that they presented was so clearly either fabricated or totally inaccurate that it was impossible to take them seriously.

The stuff I took issue with was about the usage of parking spaces, they said it wasn't being used as a justification for slashing the available parking. It was absolute nonsense, total rubbish (as anyone who has ever tried to find a parking space there would testify).

Again, disincentivising people from making non-essential trips into the city centre by car isn't something I'm against. Idiots lying to my face I have a bit more of a problem with.

[BS44]

Thank god re the left turn.

I rarely take the car to work but the no left turn has caused havoc with traffic on Leith Street and other routes on to Picardy Place that ****s my bus home. Delayed by 18, 25 and 30 minutes last week alone.

I support getting people out their cars and do my bit by walking or running to work 5 days and walking home 2 of those. On the other 3 days I need motorised transport and it needs to run broadly to time. If you try to disincentive car use then great but if it also snarls up public transport then it's counter productive. On an alternative route I can do the same journey by car in half the time, I've resisted the temptation so far but excuses for being late home after work to let my wife go to work are wearing thin.

Expansion of the tram network is also welcome. It's still a bit toytown at the moment. Hopefully a complete network over the next couple of decades coupled with serious studies going into reopening or redesignation of freight rail lines will see us have a transport network truly fit for purpose for an ever growing city and metro area.

Yep, get there at a bad time and at it is a shambles either travelling down or heading up towards Leith Street. Trams get priority at lights it'll possibly cause further problems northbound on Leith Street


Will this go up the Bridges and past the Royal?

I’ve got a friend who lives in Danderhall, and he doesn’t get the tram as part of his over 60’s travel card, as he’s under East Lothian Council

Supposedly over North Bridge up to Edinburgh Bioquarter as there is the possibility of a big expansion out there.

[cabbageandribs1875]

nice article in the Guardian ‘More tram-spotting than Trainspotting’: the new tram linking Leith to Edinburgh | Edinburgh holidays | The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2023/jun/06/new-tram-leith-to-edinburgh-food-drink-guide?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&fbclid=IwAR3f-1fO5Bmrw5dpoZ7av1kvF7xh1psk-RD3D7YnHIJpTS6JhOnBkY2ovnE)

[Hibs4185]

Yep, get there at a bad time and at it is a shambles either travelling down or heading up towards Leith Street. Trams get priority at lights it'll possibly cause further problems northbound on Leith Street



Supposedly over North Bridge up to Edinburgh Bioquarter as there is the possibility of a big expansion out there.


Great, just as north bridge is finishing, it’s going to be dug up again for trams

[Since90+2]

Great, just as north bridge is finishing, it’s going to be dug up again for trams

You've got to wonder how it will be funded. That route will cost an absolute fortune, it's a fair old distance from Princes Street to the Royal infirmary.

I can't help think that at the current time that substantial money couldn't be put to better use.

[BroxburnHibee]

Great, just as north bridge is finishing, it’s going to be dug up again for trams

Long since suspected that work was more about strengthening the bridge for trams.

I thought I had read somewhere the north/south line was gonna be Granton to Shawfair connecting the 2 hospitals.

[greenginger]

Great, just as north bridge is finishing, it’s going to be dug up again for trams

Hope they are more careful than the City Fibre clowns who were digging a trench along Ashley Terrace and dug it too deep through the soffit of the bridge on the road. :greengrin

The road is is open again but was shut for about 6 months.

A council official said said they were aware of the hole and someone is looking into it. :greengrin

Old one, I know.

[Jack]

I looked into (a rabbit hole) about the next tram extension. There's various routes being considered through the city centre. Issues with the North Bridge and Dean Bridge might mean the route goes up to Haymarket from Granton through Craigleith. I can't remember the exact route but it's either along to, then up Lothian Road or a more direct route through to Tollcross on its way east.

[Bristolhibby]

Hope they are more careful than the City Fibre clowns who were digging a trench along Ashley Terrace and dug it too deep through the soffit of the bridge on the road. :greengrin

The road is is open again but was shut for about 6 months.

A council official said said they were aware of the hole and someone is looking into it. :greengrin

Old one, I know.

I remember the taxi driver telling me about that when I was last up. Was hacking through to Murrayfield for the rugby. Mental!

J

[J-C]

The problem with the trams and cars is going from west to east. Brunswick Rd one way, Brunswick St closed, Albert St closed, Iona St closed and no right turns anywhere down the walk.

Now we find in the middle of a terrible recession and money crisis this council want to spend more multiple millions to extend the bloody trams. Edinburgh is a sh it hole and purely down to this council.

[Ozyhibby]

The problem with the trams and cars is going from west to east. Brunswick Rd one way, Brunswick St closed, Albert St closed, Iona St closed and no right turns anywhere down the walk.

Now we find in the middle of a terrible recession and money crisis this council want to spend more multiple millions to extend the bloody trams. Edinburgh is a sh it hole and purely down to this council.

They are not spending today’s pounds. It’s borrowed and paid over the lifetime of the service.
We can’t just keep letting ever more cars into the city. It’s crap for peoples quality of life and the environment. As cars are phased out though, there has to be an alternative. Trans are part of that.


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[Jack]

They are not spending today’s pounds. It’s borrowed and paid over the lifetime of the service.
We can’t just keep letting ever more cars into the city. It’s crap for peoples quality of life and the environment. As cars are phased out though, there has to be an alternative. Trans are part of that.


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Not another trans debate 😆

[Ozyhibby]

Not another trans debate [emoji38]

[emoji23][emoji51]


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[MartinfaePorty]

It would make sense, when possible, to extend the trams to Straiton, as the park and ride is severely underused. Can't see it happening anytime soon though.

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[Glory Lurker]

I looked into (a rabbit hole) about the next tram extension. There's various routes being considered through the city centre. Issues with the North Bridge and Dean Bridge might mean the route goes up to Haymarket from Granton through Craigleith. I can't remember the exact route but it's either along to, then up Lothian Road or a more direct route through to Tollcross on its way east.

Get that North Bridge replaced. It must be costing a fortune at the moment and if a tram can't go over it then it's future useless.

[Mon Dieu4]

I was in the office today and just got home on the tram, I'm that geeky I timed it, from the moment I got on at Hermiston Gate to getting off at Balfour Street it was exactly 28 minutes, that's good going

[Billy Whizz]

I was in the office today and just got home on the tram, I'm that geeky I timed it, from the moment I got on at Hermiston Gate to getting off at Balfour Street it was exactly 28 minutes, that's good going

It’s supposed to be an hour from the airport to Newhaven. Surprised it’s that long

[Smartie]

I'm going to be getting the tram home from work tonight.

Near enough exactly 19 years ago I moved into my flat, with all sorts of talk about "being on the tram route adding value to the flat" etc. I bought my business in town in 2010 and I'll now, finally, be able to use the tram for something.

Feels quite significant.

They've certainly made big changes to the bus routes back down to mine and I ended up in quite the wrong place the other night after getting the 11 home. I went past the Newhaven tram stop though as I was walking back to the flat from where I was turfed off the bus to check out the fares, frequency of service etc and I have to say I was really quite impressed.

[JohnM1875]

I'll be getting it from Leith to the Gyle tomorrow. Be interesting to see how long it takes both directions. Has to be beat the worst bus commute going these days, the 21. Hate it.

[Since90+2]

It’s supposed to be an hour from the airport to Newhaven. Surprised it’s that long

Probably quicker on the airport bus that cuts along Queensferry Road.

[speedy_gonzales]

Re future tram extension, I dunno if anyone here is a member of Liberton GC but I have it on good authority that consideration has been made to approach the club with a view to purchase land for the new potential route. It looks like it's gonna jump across from the A701(Newington/Mayfield) to the RIE/BioQuarter before eventually terminating at Dalkeith.
There's even talk this could all happen within the next 10 years.

[Ozyhibby]

Re future tram extension, I dunno if anyone here is a member of Liberton GC but I have it on good authority that consideration has been made to approach the club with a view to purchase land for the new potential route. It looks like it's gonna jump across from the A701(Newington/Mayfield) to the RIE/BioQuarter before eventually terminating at Dalkeith.
There's even talk this could all happen within the next 10 years.

Now is the time to buy a house in Dalkeith. [emoji6]


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[Jack]

It’s supposed to be an hour from the airport to Newhaven. Surprised it’s that long

I'm sad 😔

Once you're retired you can do all sorts of sad stuff 😆

Mrs Jackie and I made our way to Newhaven this afternoon to take in the whole route on day 1. 55 minutes through nearly rush hour.

We only made it back as far as the Windsor 🍻 through rush hour with no delays. Wednesday used to be a school night!

[SteveHFC]

Now is the time to buy a house in Dalkeith. [emoji6]


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Plenty of decent pubs in Dalkeith.

[SteveHFC]

Re future tram extension, I dunno if anyone here is a member of Liberton GC but I have it on good authority that consideration has been made to approach the club with a view to purchase land for the new potential route. It looks like it's gonna jump across from the A701(Newington/Mayfield) to the RIE/BioQuarter before eventually terminating at Dalkeith.
There's even talk this could all happen within the next 10 years.

Wonder where they would put the tramline in Dalkeith.

[Stairway 2 7]

I'm sad 😔

Once you're retired you can do all sorts of sad stuff 😆

Mrs Jackie and I made our way to Newhaven this afternoon to take in the whole route on day 1. 55 minutes through nearly rush hour.

We only made it back as far as the Windsor 🍻 through rush hour with no delays. Wednesday used to be a school night!

That's pretty impressive for rush hour tbf

[overdrive]

I'll be getting it from Leith to the Gyle tomorrow. Be interesting to see how long it takes both directions. Has to be beat the worst bus commute going these days, the 21. Hate it.

We live in South Gyle and my wife works in Leith. She normally takes the car but that won't be an option in a couple of weeks with the new parking restrictions. She would sometimes get the 21. She got the tram home yesterday. 30 mins exactly from the Foot of the Walk to Bankhead (slightly closer to our house than the Gyle stop). 32 minutes in the other direction this morning though she said the tram got lucky with the lights on Leith Walk. She said, including walking/waiting times it takes roughly the same time as driving.

[Ozyhibby]

We live in South Gyle and my wife works in Leith. She normally takes the car but that won't be an option in a couple of weeks with the new parking restrictions. She would sometimes get the 21. She got the tram home yesterday. 30 mins exactly from the Foot of the Walk to Bankhead (slightly closer to our house than the Gyle stop). 32 minutes in the other direction this morning though she said the tram got lucky with the lights on Leith Walk. She said, including walking/waiting times it takes roughly the same time as driving.

I can’t say for sure but I don’t think the trams get lucky with lights? I think the lights are set to give trams priority?


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[overdrive]

I can’t say for sure but I don’t think the trams get lucky with lights? I think the lights are set to give trams priority?


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Maybe on the new section. I've definitely been stuck at lights on the on-street bit of the old section. I'd be surprised on the new section given the trams share a lane with cars at some points, even at lights.

[cabbageandribs1875]

Today is the day! The tram finally made its way into Leith & Newhaven ... | TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@adventureswitherika/video/7242071432564460842?_d=secCgYIASAHKAESPgo8DiS2IX%2 FCkvfD7Je2XRoc3bNBvIZMJrK9iHpjJ1FY%2ByPuBRjkuO0IRm 1i9h3litiwpXCZsjrjP1AIr0HMGgA%3D&_r=1&checksum=31023314b06d3464499a4022a59196d17538df815 2b218a05de5321799e1fadd&fbclid=IwAR261P1zrWjEofJVNFS2dLJRalKFdSzRHN4U7vm36 I-49kLDyze7AGG8BNk&preview_pb=0&sec_user_id=MS4wLjABAAAAE48rmO0HbJWuyixa_H8yHE9iGm dW1T_l0v9KsWcFtx7TWpwCT9-Siu7gFiinALQN&share_app_id=1233&share_item_id=7242071432564460842&share_link_id=D79926D7-7298-46EA-BC31-B5E1F395E2DA&sharer_language=en&source=h5_m&timestamp=1686176262&tt_from=facebook&u_code=dlbg52d8bk797l&ug_btm=b8727%2Cb2878&user_id=7023832757671756806&utm_campaign=client_share&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=facebook)

[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/edinburghtrams/status/489543816987553792?s=46&t=3pb_w_qndxJXScFNwz8V4A

Found this old tweet. I’m sure they still get caught in traffic but it is minimised.


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[CL0762]

Plenty of decent pubs in Dalkeith.

Coach and Horses Loyal.

[JohnM1875]

We live in South Gyle and my wife works in Leith. She normally takes the car but that won't be an option in a couple of weeks with the new parking restrictions. She would sometimes get the 21. She got the tram home yesterday. 30 mins exactly from the Foot of the Walk to Bankhead (slightly closer to our house than the Gyle stop). 32 minutes in the other direction this morning though she said the tram got lucky with the lights on Leith Walk. She said, including walking/waiting times it takes roughly the same time as driving.

32 minutes this morning just after seven from foot of the walk to Gyle. Almost half the time the 21 commute took so happy with that. Maybe 35 on the way home, again nearly half the usual commute.

[LaMotta]

Took 30 minutes from West End to Newhaven last night.

Approx 15 mins from West End to McDonald Road stop, which ill be using for trips To Easter Road from now.

[Ozyhibby]

Took 30 minutes from West End to Newhaven last night.

Approx 15 mins from West End to McDonald Road stop, which ill be using for trips To Easter Road from now.

Have decided I’ll use tram next season. Takes away having to park etc. live in Corstorphine so will just get on at Carrick knowe.


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[Hibs4185]

Have decided I’ll use tram next season. Takes away having to park etc. live in Corstorphine so will just get on at Carrick knowe.


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That’s bungalows and rover territory

[LaMotta]

Have decided I’ll use tram next season. Takes away having to park etc. live in Corstorphine so will just get on at Carrick knowe.


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Aye it's a pleasant way to travel I have to say.

[overdrive]

Went to meet my wife after work and just got off train. 29 minutes from Bankhead to Foot of the Walk. Impressive

[Ozyhibby]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230608/8f13812fd82290e91c318faa58de08cc.jpg


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[overdrive]

https://twitter.com/edinburghtrams/status/489543816987553792?s=46&t=3pb_w_qndxJXScFNwz8V4A

Found this old tweet. I’m sure they still get caught in traffic but it is minimised.


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So I was stopped at lights several times on my trip tonight. Not stuck behind traffic. At the front of a light waiting on it changing. Combination of old route and new route. Haymarket, Princes Street and at least twice that I noticed on Leith Walk. Maybe others as I was on my phone a lot.

[Jack]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230608/8f13812fd82290e91c318faa58de08cc.jpg


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I assume whoever made that up isn't a fan of Wetherspoons whose side door is 0m from the Foot of the Walk stop!

[Pretty Boy]

I assume whoever made that up isn't a fan of Wetherspoons whose side door is 0m from the Foot of the Walk stop!

No chains is one of the criteria he stipulates.

Albeit the Cona Doyle is a Nicholson's pub and a couple of the others are owned by people with multiple boozers.

I think no chains might just mean no Wetherspoons.

[Jack]

No chains is one of the criteria he stipulates.

Albeit the Cona Doyle is a Nicholson's pub and a couple of the others are owned by people with multiple boozers.

I think no chains might just mean no Wetherspoons.

I should really read the whole thing 😆

No Wetherspoons is a great idea.

Mrs Jackie and I drink in the Windsor, also on the list. It too is part of a group.

[grunt]

What's "The Joker and the Thief" like? Sounds worth a visit based on the name alone.

[Jones28]

What's "The Joker and the Thief" like? Sounds worth a visit based on the name alone.

No bad, Beer Hoose is better imo.

[Pretty Boy]

What's "The Joker and the Thief" like? Sounds worth a visit based on the name alone.

I like it. I used to drink in there when it was the Brunswick after night shift when it had a 6am license so I was sceptical when it changed but, much as I love an old school boozer, it's definitely improved.

The Newbarns Pilsner, brewed in Leith, is an excellent pint.

[grunt]

No bad, Beer Hoose is better imo.


I like it. I used to drink in there when it was the Brunswick after night shift when it had a 6am license so I was sceptical when it changed but, much as I love an old school boozer, it's definitely improve. The Newbarns Pilsner, brewed in Leith, is an excellent pint.
:aok:

[Stairway 2 7]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230608/8f13812fd82290e91c318faa58de08cc.jpg


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Think I'd start at haymarket to the shore and save the trek's at POL and OT

[Pretty Boy]

Think I'd start at haymarket to the shore and save the trek's at POL and OT

Airport to Newhaven.......

Anything else is for *****bags.

[Stairway 2 7]

Airport to Newhaven.......

Anything else is for *****bags.

Trying to think of the boozers post haymarket stops towards the airport. Loads unfortunately closed down near them

[gbhibby]

Have decided I’ll use tram next season. Takes away having to park etc. live in Corstorphine so will just get on at Carrick knowe.


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No 26 bus would probably just as quick probably a shorter walk

[SteveHFC]

Got the tram from Newhaven to St.Andrews Square and took about 20 mins. Pretty impressed.

Time to get the trams extended to every area in the city.

[Just Alf]

No 26 bus would probably just as quick probably a shorter walkI slept in a wee bit this morning, that's pretty much my normal route... headed for tram instead and arrived at my normal time... bus is less walking but i will keep the tram up my sleeve for emergencies lol

[superfurryhibby]

Got the tram from Newhaven to St.Andrews Square and took about 20 mins. Pretty impressed.

Time to get the trams extended to every area in the city.

Maybe once we have addressed the crisis in social care?

[J-C]

Maybe once we have addressed the crisis in social care?

Social care comes a distant last in this councils thoughts, cycleways, student flats and tram extensions.

[Lendo]

Social care comes a distant last in this councils thoughts, cycleways, student flats and tram extensions.

Even though social care and education get 70% of the council budget, but aye comes a distant last eh…..

[J-C]

Even though social care and education get 70% of the council budget, but aye comes a distant last eh…..

Do we need a £19m cycleway from Roseburn to Leith that's caused traffic chaos since it's beginning, a tram system that was twice the budget and twice the time to only go 2 thirds of the way and student flats in areas where social housing is being neglected but lets keep the foreign students happy eh?

Tram money is borrowed on the never never, when will it end?
Student flats built by private landlords and rented out in the summer for hoards of tourists paying OTT for the accommodation.
Do we actually need a cycleway straight through the town centre for a handful of cyclists, surely a cycle path down the Water of Leith would have been more sensible.

I don't doubt 70% is allocated to what you say but it's hard to see any evidence of it at times, all I see most of the time in Edinburgh is traffic problems caused by constant tramworks/roadworks, terrible road conditions and young folk paying a fortune in private rents because they can't afford to get on the mortgage ladder.

[Lendo]

Do we need a £19m cycleway from Roseburn to Leith that's caused traffic chaos since it's beginning, a tram system that was twice the budget and twice the time to only go 2 thirds of the way and student flats in areas where social housing is being neglected but lets keep the foreign students happy eh?

Tram money is borrowed on the never never, when will it end?
Student flats built by private landlords and rented out in the summer for hoards of tourists paying OTT for the accommodation.
Do we actually need a cycleway straight through the town centre for a handful of cyclists, surely a cycle path down the Water of Leith would have been more sensible.

I don't doubt 70% is allocated to what you say but it's hard to see any evidence of it at times, all I see most of the time in Edinburgh is traffic problems caused by constant tramworks/roadworks, terrible road conditions and young folk paying a fortune in private rents because they can't afford to get on the mortgage ladder.

I’m not arguing or making any point regarding the merits (or lack of) for cycle paths or tram lines. I’m merely pointing out the hyperbolic nature of your statement.

[Lendo]

Do we need a £19m cycleway from Roseburn to Leith that's caused traffic chaos since it's beginning, a tram system that was twice the budget and twice the time to only go 2 thirds of the way and student flats in areas where social housing is being neglected but lets keep the foreign students happy eh?

Tram money is borrowed on the never never, when will it end?
Student flats built by private landlords and rented out in the summer for hoards of tourists paying OTT for the accommodation.
Do we actually need a cycleway straight through the town centre for a handful of cyclists, surely a cycle path down the Water of Leith would have been more sensible.

I don't doubt 70% is allocated to what you say but it's hard to see any evidence of it at times, all I see most of the time in Edinburgh is traffic problems caused by constant tramworks/roadworks, terrible road conditions and young folk paying a fortune in private rents because they can't afford to get on the mortgage ladder.

Also you are aware that the money for the cycle paths comes from Sustrans right?

[Mon Dieu4]

Also you are aware that the money for the cycle paths comes from Sustrans right?

Via transport for Scotland, the government and the council, this is from Sustrans own website

"The work will be principally funded by Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Places for everyone programme, with additional funding from the Scottish Government and the Council’s transport budget."

[J-C]

Via transport for Scotland, the government and the council, this is from Sustrans own website

"The work will be principally funded by Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Places for everyone programme, with additional funding from the Scottish Government and the Council’s transport budget."


Saves me answering, cheers.

[Lendo]

About £3m came from additional funding from the SG and Council, so not quite the £19m you’re getting upset about.

[Stairway 2 7]

Obesity costs the NHS an estimated £6 billion a year, estimated to rise to 10 in £25 years. Nhs Lothian has about 1% of the population so you'd estimate £60 million on obesity rising £100, it'll be more because we're actually more obese than uk average. That is crippling.

Every penny spent on getting people fit and active will be worth 10 fold in the long run. There should be more gyms and cycle paths subsidised, but people don't see the long game of the obesity crisis.

That is before we talk about the climate crisis that we need to wake up to. People need to drive less

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-obesity-treatments-and-technology-to-save-the-nhs-billions

[Moulin Yarns]

Obesity costs the NHS an estimated £6 billion a year, estimated to rise to 10 in £25 years. Nhs Lothian has about 1% of the population so you'd estimate £60 million on obesity rising £100, it'll be more because we're actually more obese than uk average. That is crippling.

Every penny spent on getting people fit and active will be worth 10 fold in the long run. There should be more gyms and cycle paths subsidised, but people don't see the long game of the obesity crisis.

That is before we talk about the climate crisis that we need to wake up to. People need to drive less

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-obesity-treatments-and-technology-to-save-the-nhs-billions

I agree that people need to drive less but you try that outside of a city with good public transport!

I had to leave my car in Perth for essential work, I got the bus home, a bus that runs every TWO hours, and requires a change of bus and a 20 minutes walk. A total time of 110 minutes!! Repeated in reverse 2 days later.

[greenlex]

I agree that people need to drive less but you try that outside of a city with good public transport!

I had to leave my car in Perth for essential work, I got the bus home, a bus that runs every TWO hours, and requires a change of bus and a 20 minutes walk. A total time of 110 minutes!! Repeated in reverse 2 days later.
I think all public transport should be nationalised and free to use. Get cars off the roads.

[Stairway 2 7]

I agree that people need to drive less but you try that outside of a city with good public transport!

I had to leave my car in Perth for essential work, I got the bus home, a bus that runs every TWO hours, and requires a change of bus and a 20 minutes walk. A total time of 110 minutes!! Repeated in reverse 2 days later.

Obviously living in the sticks there are journeys you'll have to make by car, but your electric so not giving off fumes anyway.

There are journeys and instances in the city that they are needed too, but this is about reduction, we can all do more including me

[cammy1969]

Coach and Horses Loyal.

Am sure the coach is shut these days


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[makaveli1875]

I got the tram for the 1st time today and ended up sat next to Michael O Neill. A jolly good bloke he is too

[Moulin Yarns]

Obviously living in the sticks there are journeys you'll have to make by car, but your electric so not giving off fumes anyway.

There are journeys and instances in the city that they are needed too, but this is about reduction, we can all do more including me

Not electric yet, only just had test drives this week, trying to replace my 9 year old diesel Renault so I can cause traffic chaos in the LEZs. 😉

You can read about it on the electric vehicle thread on the PM board.

[Stairway 2 7]

Not electric yet, only just had test drives this week, trying to replace my 9 year old diesel Renault so I can cause traffic chaos in the LEZs. 😉

You can read about it on the electric vehicle thread on the PM board.

Sorry thought you had switched, will be doing the same with my next one probably this year

[Moulin Yarns]

Sorry thought you had switched, will be doing the same with my next one probably this year

Aye, mine is ordered. Have you got any ideas what you want?

[.Sean.]

I got the tram for the 1st time today and ended up sat next to Michael O Neill. A jolly good bloke he is too
I’m sure he lives in Edinburgh does he not?

[Stairway 2 7]

Aye, mine is ordered. Have you got any ideas what you want?

Less of a clue than I've ever had on any car purchase, but quite excited. Going through to the innovation centre in Glasgow for a few test drives. Will be a battle with my wife who will want every extra and bigger size, whilst I want the minimum as we hardly use our car just now

[Pretty Boy]

Totally anecdotal but judging by the number of my mates who were posting pictures from pubs down in Leith on social media having traveled there on the tram it certainly looks like it was a popular opening weekend.

Good news for the businesses down there who have had to put up with so much crap over the last decade, hopefully now they start to reap the rewards.

[Bristolhibby]

Less of a clue than I've ever had on any car purchase, but quite excited. Going through to the innovation centre in Glasgow for a few test drives. Will be a battle with my wife who will want every extra and bigger size, whilst I want the minimum as we hardly use our car just now

The temptation is always to go bigger for that once a year (if you are lucky) trip to France or the likes. When in reality if we are honest we could easily go smaller. I have mid range cars but the niggle is always there to go bigger.

Expense is my honest answer, I’m too tight to spend more than I need to in cars.

I reckon this will be my last combustion engine though. Next car in about 3 to 4 years.

J

[Pretty Boy]

The temptation is always to go bigger for that once a year (if you are lucky) trip to France or the likes. When in reality if we are honest we could easily go smaller. I have mid range cars but the niggle is always there to go bigger.

Expense is my honest answer, I’m too tight to spend more than I need to in cars.

I reckon this will be my last combustion engine though. Next car in about 3 to 4 years.

J

I'm in the same boat as you. Don't use my car that much but my wife's dad is down south so there is a few big drives a year to visit him where more space would be welcome but I can't justify the extra cost and I don't really need it. Tbh with the price of fuel and the savings we can make with a Friends and Family Railcard it's almost as cheap to take the train now.

My current car is a 14 plate petrol, no outstanding finance and still in good nick. My plan is to run it into the ground and then when it needs replaced (rather than me just wanting to do so) I will look at the hybrid or electric options. Replacing a perfectly serviceable ICE car with an electric when it still has plenty life in it really isn't all that environmentally friendly for a whole host of reasons. The biggest thing we need to change is the mindset that we 'need' a new car every 3 years. That's ultimately a myth that car retailers have created to sell more cars on finance.

[Jack]

I'm in the same boat as you. Don't use my car that much but my wife's dad is down south so there is a few big drives a year to visit him where more space would be welcome but I can't justify the extra cost and I don't really need it. Tbh with the price of fuel and the savings we can make with a Friends and Family Railcard it's almost as cheap to take the train now.

My current car is a 14 plate petrol, no outstanding finance and still in good nick. My plan is to run it into the ground and then when it needs replaced (rather than me just wanting to do so) I will look at the hybrid or electric options. Replacing a perfectly serviceable ICE car with an electric when it still has plenty life in it really isn't all that environmentally friendly for a whole host of reasons. The biggest thing we need to change is the mindset that we 'need' a new car every 3 years. That's ultimately a myth that car retailers have created to sell more cars on finance.

I used to do an annual trip to Devon and beyond adopted for the bigger car, a BMW 7 series. I had it for 10 years. By far the biggest and most pleasurable car I've ever driven.

We've not had a car for some time, yes I miss it but we're managing just fine. Having said that we're seriously considering joining the Edinburgh Car Club.

[J-C]

I’m sure he lives in Edinburgh does he not?

He does, top bloke and gent.

[heretoday]

Riding the tram, I was amazed at the amount of new builds down the docks area. Like a new town.
Hopefully, the tram leads to more prosperity. That Ocean Terminal needs a face-lift for a start. Ghastly place.

[CropleyWasGod]

Riding the tram, I was amazed at the amount of new builds down the docks area. Like a new town.
Hopefully, the tram leads to more prosperity. That Ocean Terminal needs a face-lift for a start. Ghastly place.

That's happening.

https://news.stv.tv/east-central/plans-approved-for-100m-transformation-of-ocean-terminal-shopping-centre-in-edinburgh

[HUTCHYHIBBY]

Totally anecdotal but judging by the number of my mates who were posting pictures from pubs down in Leith on social media having traveled there on the tram it certainly looks like it was a popular opening weekend.

Good news for the businesses down there who have had to put up with so much crap over the last decade, hopefully now they start to reap the rewards.

It was Leith Gala Day on Saturday so that probably increased the number of pub customers too.

[Keith_M]

There was a mention earlier on this thread about North Bridge needing to be strengthened to cope with the weight of the trams.


Now, maybe I'm missing something, but....

26870

[Ozyhibby]

There was a mention earlier on this thread about North Bridge needing to be strengthened to cope with the weight of the trams.


Now, maybe I'm missing something, but....

26870

I think it will end up going up Lothian road and through the meadows.


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[Ozyhibby]

https://twitter.com/cnn/status/1668219116627320834?s=46&t=3pb_w_qndxJXScFNwz8V4A


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[Keith_M]

I managed to find an old map of Edinburgh's tram routes in the 1950s.

The website I found it under had put a caption that said, "what they threw away 80 years ago".

26871



Edinburgh is obviously not alone in this but there was definitely a lot of very short sighted public transport decisions in the 50s and 60s.

[Ozyhibby]

I managed to find an old map of Edinburgh's tram routes in the 1950s.

The website I found it under had put a caption that said, "what they threw away 80 years ago".

26871



Edinburgh is obviously not alone in this but there was definitely a lot of very short sighted public transport decisions in the 50s and 60s.

The car reigned supreme all over Europe at the time. By the late 70’s a lot of European cities were beginning to see the damage that they were doing and started work on getting rid of cars.


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[BroxburnHibee]

There was a mention earlier on this thread about North Bridge needing to be strengthened to cope with the weight of the trams.


Now, maybe I'm missing something, but....

26870

Modern tram would be a lot heavier than those

[JeMeSouviens]

Edinburgh is obviously not alone in this but there was definitely a lot of very short sighted public transport decisions in the 50s and 60s.

We were very lucky some of the road schemes mooted at the time didn't go ahead.

[Pretty Boy]

We were very lucky some of the road schemes mooted at the time didn't go ahead.

Was there not a plan to run a motorway right through the centre of Edinburgh? Similar to the M8 and Glasgow. I'm sure I have seen artists impressions of flyover bridges and the like, possibly around the Meadows area.

[JeMeSouviens]

Was there not a plan to run a motorway right through the centre of Edinburgh? Similar to the M8 and Glasgow. I'm sure I have seen artists impressions of flyover bridges and the like, possibly around the Meadows area.

Yup. An "inner ring road" motorway. The bit parallel to N Bridge was to be an elevated section on stilts.

https://www.gcat.org.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ringroadmap-1024x649.png

[J-C]

There was a mention earlier on this thread about North Bridge needing to be strengthened to cope with the weight of the trams.


Now, maybe I'm missing something, but....

26870

Missing multiple buses and cars that are on it now.

[Stairway 2 7]

Yup. An "inner ring road" motorway. The bit parallel to N Bridge was to be an elevated section on stilts.

https://www.gcat.org.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/ringroadmap-1024x649.png

That gives me the fear, thank heavens

[Kato]

That gives me the fear, thank heavensLook at Glasgow. They went ahead with similar plans and it took 20 years before someone said, "hud oan".

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[Keith_M]

Modern tram would be a lot heavier than those


Dunno, they look heavy big buggers... but you could be right.

[Pretty Boy]

Is Edinburgh completely unsuitable for an underground system?

I know the Scotland Street tunnel and the like still exist so there has been underground access linking the city centre to suburban lines in the past.

I'm sure I remember reading something about volcanic rock being difficult to work with but I could be making that up. I always like the Glasgow subway even if it is a bit small scale.

[Ozyhibby]

Is Edinburgh completely unsuitable for an underground system?

I know the Scotland Street tunnel and the like still exist so there has been underground access linking the city centre to suburban lines in the past.

I'm sure I remember reading something about volcanic rock being difficult to work with but I could be making that up. I always like the Glasgow subway even if it is a bit small scale.

And with new style tunnelling machines it shouldn’t be beyond us. London managed there’s about 150 years ago.


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[Keith_M]

Is Edinburgh completely unsuitable for an underground system?

I know the Scotland Street tunnel and the like still exist so there has been underground access linking the city centre to suburban lines in the past.

I'm sure I remember reading something about volcanic rock being difficult to work with but I could be making that up. I always like the Glasgow subway even if it is a bit small scale.


It is possible, but it's mostly considered too expensive due to the cost of tunnelling through the volcanic rock.


I think the technical term is 'Dolerite' rock which, in terms of how hard it is, is somewhere between Marble and Granite.

[LaMotta]

Edinburgh was fairly close to having an Underground built in the 1890's, with a proposed line from Princes St to Leith.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/the-forgotten-plan-to-build-a-subway-system-under-central-edinburgh-3107348

It's a real shame we cant have one. This imaginary Edinburgh underground map is great:

https://twitter.com/CityMonitorAI/status/1019890228742500352?t=gooUJW9_F8Cim0AHLT6erA&s=19

[Ozyhibby]

Edinburgh was fairly close to having an Underground built in the 1890's, with a proposed line from Princes St to Leith.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/the-forgotten-plan-to-build-a-subway-system-under-central-edinburgh-3107348

It's a real shame we cant have one. This imaginary Edinburgh underground map is great:

https://twitter.com/CityMonitorAI/status/1019890228742500352?t=gooUJW9_F8Cim0AHLT6erA&s=19

There isn’t the population to support anything like that but expanding the trans using the old suburban rail lines would be possible with a bit of hard work.


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[SteveHFC]

Edinburgh was fairly close to having an Underground built in the 1890's, with a proposed line from Princes St to Leith.

https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/the-forgotten-plan-to-build-a-subway-system-under-central-edinburgh-3107348

It's a real shame we cant have one. This imaginary Edinburgh underground map is great:

https://twitter.com/CityMonitorAI/status/1019890228742500352?t=gooUJW9_F8Cim0AHLT6erA&s=19

Metro from Dalkeith? Get it built. :greengrin

[Sylar]

How is the new extension operating?

[Jack]

How is the new extension operating?

There have been 2 occasions when the trams have not been able to travel all the way to Newhaven that I know of.

There was a medical emergency towards the fit of Leith Walk, I've no idea what happened. The trams could only go as far as the Harp and Castle. It wasn't for long.

The other was an HGV snagged the overhead cable near Picardy Place. Again it was up and running after a short while.

Overall they have been busy but I'd suggest there's still a lot of tram tourists. Personally I've used it once for just a jaunt and twice where its been the best option. I'm retired so tend not to travel at peak times.

As an observation, the tram is a good bit quicker travelling up and down the Walk than the bus.

[cabbageandribs1875]

think their was a broken down bus somewhere near picardy place/york pl today that stopped Trams from York pl to Newhaven for a while

[gbhibby]

https://youtu.be/eALRxMGYOq4
This is an interesting watch for all you Tram fans out there
Interesting that Leith trams were more advanced than Edinburghs Trams. Looking forward to somebody making a video with the same title about Edinburgh Trams MK2😁



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[gbhibby]

https://youtu.be/eALRxMGYOq4
This is an interesting watch for all you Tram fans out there
Interesting that Leith trams were more advanced than Edinburghs Trams. Looking forward to somebody making a video with the same title about Edinburgh Trams MK2😁



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The reason they got rid of the old trams was they were costing more to operate than the income they were receiving from passengers. History repeating itself?

[Keith_M]

The reason they got rid of the old trams was they were costing more to operate than the income they were receiving from passengers. History repeating itself?


Lots of cities subsidise public transport, in order to reduce the amount of private vehicles on the road.

That wasn't really such a big thing in the 50s... so probably not considered as part of the decision to remove the trams... but it's obviously an important issue now.

If part of my taxes is used to tackle environmental issues, and traffic jams, then I'm personally in favour of that.




p.s. not a dig at you, mate, just my personal PoV

[Ozyhibby]

Lots of cities subsidise public transport, in order to reduce the amount of private vehicles on the road.

That wasn't really such a big thing in the 50s... so probably not considered as part of the decision to remove the trams... but it's obviously an important issue now.

If part of my taxes is used to tackle environmental issues, and traffic jams, then I'm personally in favour of that.




p.s. not a dig at you, mate, just my personal PoV

The trams generate income just now.


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[Pretty Boy]

Lots of cities subsidise public transport, in order to reduce the amount of private vehicles on the road.

That wasn't really such a big thing in the 50s... so probably not considered as part of the decision to remove the trams... but it's obviously an important issue now.

If part of my taxes is used to tackle environmental issues, and traffic jams, then I'm personally in favour of that.




p.s. not a dig at you, mate, just my personal PoV

I remember listening to a show on Radio Scotland fairly recently about how local community pressure saved some of Scotlands railways from the Beeching cuts. The original plan was to close all the lines north of Aberdeen and Inverness and whilst many branch lines were closed there was a very vocal campaign to save a sizable number of the lines as they were a public necessity.

I think we have to think the same way about all public transport, I find it bizarre we still run it as a for profit system when it's as inarguable now as it was 50-60 years ago that it is a public necessity. As the loved or loathed Mick Lynch pointed out recently British Rail used to be run on a budget that was a fraction of the subsidies currently handed out to many of the private companies operating franchises, at least a couple of whom have been declared unsuitable operators.

For me the core of our public transport operation should be nationalised and public money should be used to subsidise low fares or indeed free public transport and for upgrading infrastructure rather than feeding the profits of private operators.

[Keith_M]

I remember listening to a show on Radio Scotland fairly recently about how local community pressure saved some of Scotlands railways from the Beeching cuts. The original plan was to close all the lines north of Aberdeen and Inverness and whilst many branch lines were closed there was a very vocal campaign to save a sizable number of the lines as they were a public necessity.

I think we have to think the same way about all public transport, I find it bizarre we still run it as a for profit system when it's as inarguable now as it was 50-60 years ago that it is a public necessity. As the loved or loathed Mick Lynch pointed out recently British Rail used to be run on a budget that was a fraction of the subsidies currently handed out to many of the private companies operating franchises, at least a couple of whom have been declared unsuitable operators.

For me the core of our public transport operation should be nationalised and public money should be used to subsidise low fares or indeed free public transport and for upgrading infrastructure rather than feeding the profits of private operators.


100% agree with that

:aok:

[Hibs4185]

I remember listening to a show on Radio Scotland fairly recently about how local community pressure saved some of Scotlands railways from the Beeching cuts. The original plan was to close all the lines north of Aberdeen and Inverness and whilst many branch lines were closed there was a very vocal campaign to save a sizable number of the lines as they were a public necessity.

I think we have to think the same way about all public transport, I find it bizarre we still run it as a for profit system when it's as inarguable now as it was 50-60 years ago that it is a public necessity. As the loved or loathed Mick Lynch pointed out recently British Rail used to be run on a budget that was a fraction of the subsidies currently handed out to many of the private companies operating franchises, at least a couple of whom have been declared unsuitable operators.

For me the core of our public transport operation should be nationalised and public money should be used to subsidise low fares or indeed free public transport and for upgrading infrastructure rather than feeding the profits of private operators.

That’s why Lothian Buses are miles ahead of any competition in Britain as profits are reinvested in new buses etc

[grunt]

I think we have to think the same way about all public transport, I find it bizarre we still run it as a for profit system when it's as inarguable now as it was 50-60 years ago that it is a public necessity. As the loved or loathed Mick Lynch pointed out recently British Rail used to be run on a budget that was a fraction of the subsidies currently handed out to many of the private companies operating franchises, at least a couple of whom have been declared unsuitable operators.
I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, ScotRail is owned by the Scottish Government. It was brought into public ownership by the much despised SNP Government.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-60319922

[Ozyhibby]

I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, ScotRail is owned by the Scottish Government. It was brought into public ownership by the much despised SNP Government.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-60319922

And fares have been cut since.[emoji106]


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[gbhibby]

Lots of cities subsidise public transport, in order to reduce the amount of private vehicles on the road.

That wasn't really such a big thing in the 50s... so probably not considered as part of the decision to remove the trams... but it's obviously an important issue now.

If part of my taxes is used to tackle environmental issues, and traffic jams, then I'm personally in favour of that.




p.s. not a dig at you, mate, just my personal PoV
No problem with subsidising public transport. The worst area for pollution in Edinburgh was Corstorphine and the Queesferry Road. A transport expert when routes were being discussed said that the tram must go through Corstorphine/Maybury into town as this is the most profitable bus routes. Would have made the journey into town quicker from the Airport. The tram routes should have been started at the main arteries going into Edinburgh and Park and rides at the start of these routes. At the park and ride a ticket could have been issued allowing free return travel to the park and ride. The other tram stops on these routes
will make the money to offset the free tickets.

[archie]

I'm sure you already know this, but just in case, ScotRail is owned by the Scottish Government. It was brought into public ownership by the much despised SNP Government.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-60319922

And the much despised Tory Government is currently running LNER, Southern, Trans Pennine, South Eastern and northern Trains.

[grunt]

And the much despised Tory Government is currently running LNER, Southern, Trans Pennine, South Eastern and northern Trains.
LNER is great, haven't used the others. Actually might have used South Eastern.

So we're making progress toward rail nationalisation.

[archie]

LNER is great, haven't used the others. Actually might have used South Eastern.

So we're making progress toward rail nationalisation.

I agree.

[Hibrandenburg]

And the much despised Tory Government is currently running LNER, Southern, Trans Pennine, South Eastern and northern Trains.

They'll just be fattening them up to be sold for an apple and an egg to their chums at a later date.

[Ozyhibby]

And fares have been cut since.[emoji106]


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https://news.stv.tv/scotland/scotrail-fares-to-rise-from-july-as-government-freeze-comes-to-an-end

I take it back.[emoji23]


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[Ozyhibby]

https://news.stv.tv/east-central/taxi-drivers-threaten-legal-action-over-ludicrous-plan-for-ban-in-edinburghs-george-street

George street going pedestrian.


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[J-C]

https://news.stv.tv/east-central/taxi-drivers-threaten-legal-action-over-ludicrous-plan-for-ban-in-edinburghs-george-street

George street going pedestrian.


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All for the tourist cafe culture which is only 4 months of the year, can you imagine a bleak mid January in George St with 5 freezing punters walking along a deserted street.

[Ozyhibby]

All for the tourist cafe culture which is only 4 months of the year, can you imagine a bleak mid January in George St with 5 freezing punters walking along a deserted street.

I’m not sure adding a load of cars improves that though.


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