Edinburgh Tram extension opens: Wednesday 7 June 2023.

The extension to the Edinburgh trams route from Picardy Place, where the city centre terminus has been since the system commenced operation in 2014, opened to passengers on 7 June 2023 at 1200.

Running via Leith Walk, the line now goes to Newhaven via Leith Port and Ocean Terminal. A number of CILT Scotland members were in attendance to see the first trams on this section of route.

Originally intended to be part of Phase 1 of the tram project, this part of the scheme was dropped owing to rising costs. It was not until 2017 when the extension was approved and in 2019 the award of contracts for construction was made.

The three mile extension, built at a cost of around £207 million has 8 new stops and will see a 7 minute service during the day and a 10 minute service at quieter times.

The trans were built by the Spanish company, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF). the bi-directional trams and are capable of speeds of up to 70 kilometres an hour.

Each tram is is 42.856 metres in length with a width of 2.65 metres and can carry 250 passengers. There are 78 seats and space for two wheelchairs, meaning that each tram can carry up to 170 standing passengers.

Further information can be found on the Edinburgh Trams website at edinburghtrams.com

Report by John Fender and photographs by John Yellowlees.