Edinburgh tram system takes step closer to completion

Traffic has returned to Edinburgh’s West End, completing another milestone toward the opening of the new tram network next year.

This weekend not only marked the end of work at Shandwick Place, it signalled the end of civils and engineering work throughout the whole of the city centre.With the tram project now nearing completion, the city centre is beginning to take shape and we can look forward to next year when passenger services will begin.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, the city’s Transport Convener, said: “With the tram project now nearing completion, the city centre is beginning to take shape and we can look forward to next year when passenger services will begin.

“Our target for service launch is now May 2014 but, of course, we’ll bring this forward if we can. However, it’s important to remember that a thorough testing, commissioning and driver training programme is absolutely essential.”

Although full route testing isn’t set to begin until December, the City of Edinburgh Council is to launch a new set of byelaws in November that passengers must abide by.





Continue reading...