Tram Extensions – What Now?

Tram Extensions – What Now?

In September, the Transport and Environment Committee considered what’s next for proposals to extend the tram between Granton and the Bioquarter. Lib Dem Councillors, Hal Osler and Kevin Lang, put in an amendment to remove the Roseburn Path from being used and, due to major complications with using the Dean Bridge, asking for alternatives for the northern leg. Unfortunately, Labour, the SNP and the Greens voted to keep the Roseburn Path as a potential option for the route and, Orchard Brae. In addition, TEC took the decision to prioritise progressing the southern part of the route, despite there being no funding source identified to pay for it.

Inverleith Ward Councillor Hal Osler said “I asked officers how long it would take, assuming there were no delays, for trams to start running on a new route. We were all told it would take a minimum of ten years. Knowing there are issues already and with further much needed development to come for Granton and elsewhere, Kevin Lang and I had proposed that a report be prepared to explore other options for improving transport in North Edinburgh. This was rejected.

I am very disappointed by Labour, the SNP, and Green Councillors, who were given another chance to protect the Roseburn Path, but voted yet again to keep it in the mix. 

This is despite the SNP having committed at the last election that they would not support Roseburn Path as an option, which represents a betrayal of voters who believed them.”