A Council report published today has confirmed that the Edinburgh Trams project is struggling under the current economic downturn. In particular, funding constraints mean that there has been a shortfall in funding for Line 1b
, a tram link from Haymarket to Granton along the Roseburn Urban Wildlife Corridor, currently a popular off-road cycle-walkway along an old railway line. Councillors are expected to follow the recommendation of the report to "postpone" the line at a meeting of the full council next Thursday (30 April).
The report also recommends that discussions on
an updated feasibility study for a tram line serving south-east
Edinburgh are carried out. The line would provide a link to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the burgeoning BioQuarter.
David Mackay, Chairman of tie Limited, said: "The global economic
recession has not spared Edinburgh and as such I believe that it is
prudent to postpone Line 1b until such times that the climate for
development is far more favourable."
Council Leader Jenny Dawe, said: "It is disappointing that in the current recession monies are not available to fund Line 1b. We will revisit this as soon as economic conditions improve. Experience elsewhere also suggests that, once operating, trams prove immensely popular with residents and businesses and create real demand for expansion. I am confident that this route will be the first of a world-class integrated public transport network for Edinburgh, including Line 1b and Line 3 to Little France."
The tram progress report also includes updates on the Princes Street traffic management and the outcome of the recent dispute
with the infrastructure contractor BSC.
The Edinburgh tram project managers say that line 1a from the airport to the Waterfront is
"progressing well" and "will be delivered within the overall agreed
funding envelope of £545m."