Transport for Edinburgh, the organisation that runs public transport in the capital, showed off its new branding yesterday after a tram rolled into the St Andrew Square stop.
As well as a new crossed tracks logo, tram drivers and other operational staff were in the uniforms they’ll wear when passengers start using the service in Spring 2014.
Lothian Buses vehicles will be updated as part of an ongoing process to align the fleet to the new look. Both vehicles will retain the ‘madder’ colour scheme.
A 2.1km section of track between the Gogar Tram depot and Edinburgh Park Station was also handed over yesterday. It means that nearly 5km of track is now in the hands of the Council, which Edinburgh Trams can use for driver training.
While the immediate focus is on the Spring 2014 launch of the £776m line, Cllr Lesley Hinds, Transport Convener and Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, used the unveiling of the new branding to talk about Transport for Edinburgh's long-term vision of an integrated transport network for the city.
“Transport for Edinburgh is a new approach to transport in our city, one that prioritises the customer and the future economic growth of Edinburgh. We’re already integrating ticketing, timetabling and customer services to make journeys easier but there’s much more opportunity ahead to develop wider transport policy in a way that benefits everyone who wants to get around the city, whether they use bus, tram, bike or go on foot," said Hinds.
She added: "The new look has been developed economically in a way that reflects the integrated nature of the services offered and when trams get up and running I think customers will see the benefits."
Transport Minister Keith Brown attended the launch to meet tram project contractors and to welcome the handover of the section between Gogar and Edinburgh Park Station.
"This is a hugely significant week for Edinburgh's transport network. Today marks a significant milestone on the trams front, while part of the revamped Haymarket Station will re-open to rail passengers on Thursday," he said.
Brown praised Transport Scotland for its "key role" in helping "to get the project back on track". He said the government organisation will continue to work with the trams project to bring the delivery date forward if possible.
"Alongside the redevelopment of Haymarket and Waverley Stations, the capital will soon have a modern transport system to be proud of," said Brown.
Today will see the first meeting of the Transport for Edinburgh Board.
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