£45m boost for new tram network

Trams disappeared from Edinburgh in the 1950s

Councillors in Edinburgh have pledged £45m towards the proposed new tram network in the city.

It brings the total funding available for the project to £420m, with most of the money coming from the Scottish Executive.

Councillors hope the executive will make more money available but still expect a shortfall of at least £100m for the project.

They have agreed the two routes will be built in phases as funding allows.

The first phase of development would be the route from Leith Waterfront to Edinburgh Airport, including the section from Haymarket to Granton Square.

'Key benefit'

The next phase would be the section between Granton to Leith along the Waterfront and the extension of the airport route from Ingliston to Newbridge, completing the network.

Councillor Andrew Burns, Edinburgh Council's transport leader, said it is estimated that 13 million passengers would use the first phase of the Edinburgh tram network during its first full year.

"The key benefit of the current proposals is this positive link with the economy, and hence to employment, for the whole of the wider city region," he said.

"That is why we are doing everything possible to ensure that the extension of Tram Line 1 from Haymarket to Granton Square goes ahead within the first phase of development - providing that funding and works costs permit."