ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½

Update November 2024 - Consultation programme and activity schedule

will provide a programme update on the development of a Strategic Business Case (SBC) for a north – south tram route.

, the project programme and schedule have now been revised.

To progress the agreed by Committee, a summary of the revised timeline for activities is outlined

• Business bulletin update in December 2024 on Bus Rapid Transit routes linking ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ with Livingston, Cockenzie, Blindwells, Penicuik, South Queensferry and Dunfermline 
• Report to Transport and Environment Committee in January 2025 on Bus Rapid Transit analysis
• Developing economic and environmental impact assessment and critical Strategic Business Case (SBC) workstreams (e.g strategic modelling, multi-criteria assessment (MCAF)  Framework Development, route appraisals and forecasting (ongoing until April 2025)
• Finalise consultation materials in line with the actions agreed on 1 February 2024, with a briefing for Elected Members ahead of consultation and market research beginning in spring 2025
• Report to committee on the outcome of the consultation and SBC completion (winter 2025).

Confirmed dates for the consultation will be issued early 2025.

Update February 2024

At the Transport and Environment Committee on 1 February 2024 approval was given for consultation to begin on the Strategic Business Case for taking the trams from Granton to the Royal Infirmary of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ and the Bioquarter and beyond, with a report due back to Transport and Environment Committee in Autumn 2024. .

This included an instruction that the consultation should

• present objectively the pros and cons of both the Roseburn and Orchard Brae routes
• provide objective analysis of the following which should be incorporated within the consultation response report to Transport and Environment Committee in Autumn 2024
  • The potential to install a high-quality walking and cycling route alongside the tramline on the Roseburn Path.
  • Market research undertaken to understand what a demographically representative sample of ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½ feels about the plans.
  • The potential to protect and enhance the local ecological network as part of either tram route.