View source for Edinburgh Trams

{{short description|Tramway in Edinburgh, Scotland}}
{{About|the tramway that opened in 2014|trams operating between 1871–1956|Edinburgh Corporation Tramways}}
{{good article}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2021}}
{{Infobox public transit
| box_width = 
| name = Edinburgh Trams
| image = EdinburghTrams.svg
| imagesize = 300px
| image2 = Edinburgh tram 03 first day of operation.JPG
| imagesize2 = 300px
| caption2 = A [[Edinburgh Tram (vehicle)|tram]] on [[Princes Street]] in May 2014
| locale = [[Edinburgh]]
| transit_type = [[Light rail]]/[[Tram]]
| lines = 1
| stations = 23
| ridership = 
| annual_ridership = 12.2 million (2025)<ref name="dftjour" />
| headquarters = 1 Myreton Drive<br />Edinburgh<br />EH12 9GF
| website = {{nowrap|{{URL|edinburghtrams.com}}}}
| began_operation = {{Start date|2014|05|31|df=y}}
| owner = [[Transport for Edinburgh]]
| operator = Edinburgh Trams Ltd.
| vehicles = 27 [[CAF Urbos 3 (Edinburgh)|CAF Urbos 3]]
| train_length = {{cvt|42.8|m|ftin}}
| headway = 7–10 minutes
| system_length = {{cvt|18.5|km}}
| track_gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| el = {{750 V DC|conductor=overhead}}
| average_speed = 
| top_speed = {{cvt|70|km/h}}
| map_name = Route map
| map = {{Edinburgh Trams}}
| map_state = collapsed
| alt = 
| caption = 
| area served = 
| line_number = 
| start = 
| end = 
| chief_executive = 
| character = 
}}

'''Edinburgh Trams''' is a tramway in [[Edinburgh]], Scotland, operated by Edinburgh Trams Ltd. It is an {{convert|18.5|km|mi|adj=on}} line between [[Newhaven, Edinburgh|Newhaven]] and [[Edinburgh Airport]], with 23 [[tram stops|stops]].<ref>{{Cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38265174 |title = New Edinburgh Gateway interchange opens in capital |date = 11 December 2016 |work = [[BBC News]] |access-date = 16 February 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201108103403/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-38265174 |archive-date = 8 November 2020 |url-status = live |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title = Closure of York Place stop marks tram project milestone |url = https://edinburghtrams.com/news/closure-york-place-stop-marks-tram-project-milestone |work = edinburghtrams.com |date = 1 February 2022 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.urban-transport-magazine.com/en/inauguration-in-edinburgh-trams-reach-newhaven/ |title = Inauguration in Edinburgh: Trams reach Newhaven |date = 7 June 2023 |publisher = Urban Transport Magazine |access-date = 7 June 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

A modern tram network for Edinburgh was proposed by [[City of Edinburgh Council|Edinburgh Council]] in 1999, with detailed design work being performed over the next decade. Construction of the first phase, linking Edinburgh Airport with Newhaven, began in June 2008, but encountered substantial delays and cost overruns. During 2009, a 15-year contract held by [[Transdev (historic)|Transdev]] to operate and maintain the tram network was cancelled. By mid-2010, cancellation of the whole project was being publicly considered; during the following year it was announced that the length of the tram network would be drastically curtailed. Prior to August 2011, the project was overseen by [[Transport Initiatives Edinburgh]] (TIE), a company wholly owned by Edinburgh Council; TIE was disbanded largely due to its failings on the project's delivery. The troubled construction of the Edinburgh Tram was subject to a lengthy [[Edinburgh Tram Inquiry|formal inquiry]], chaired by [[Andrew Hardie, Baron Hardie|Lord Hardie]], which concluded that failings by Edinburgh Council and its arms-length companies were largely to blame for the delays in construction.

On 31 May 2014, the tramway was officially opened to the public, but only between the airport and [[York Place, Edinburgh|York Place]]. The service is operated by Edinburgh Trams Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of [[Transport for Edinburgh]], in which the City of Edinburgh Council has a controlling interest. The service is equipped with 27 [[CAF Urbos 3 (Edinburgh)|CAF Urbos 3]] vehicles. It runs at a seven-minute interval for most of the day, seven days per week. Fares and ticketing are integrated with [[Lothian Buses]], with the same fares charged on both systems, except for services to the airport where the tram is more expensive. In May 2025, [[contactless payment]] was introduced for the trams, with a 'tap on, tap off' scheme.

Since the original opening of the tramway, various changes have been implemented. In December 2016, the Edinburgh Gateway tram stop, between Gyle Centre and Gogarburn, was opened to provide an interchange between Edinburgh Trams and the [[Fife Circle Line]] and [[Edinburgh to Aberdeen Line]]s. Following the council's approval for an extension of the line to Newhaven in March 2019, construction work commenced that November, and was completed on schedule in June 2023, despite being delayed for three months by the [[coronavirus pandemic]]. 

In August 2025, a public consultation was launched for an additional extension serving the north–south axis of the city. This could link [[Granton, Edinburgh|Granton]] in the north via either the Roseburn Path to [[Murrayfield]] or via Orchard Brae and [[Dean Bridge]] to the west end of [[Princes Street]]. There are also proposals to run trams over [[North Bridge, Edinburgh|North Bridge]] and [[South Bridge, Edinburgh|South Bridge]] to [[Cameron Toll]] then along Old Dalkeith Road to the [[Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh|Royal Infirmary]] and [[Edinburgh BioQuarter|BioQuarter]]. The cost is estimated at between £2bn and £2.9bn.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2025-08-25 |title=Edinburgh trams: Public to be consulted over extension |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3r4yy9ddp1o |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Trams from Granton to Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Beyond - City of Edinburgh Council - Citizen Space |url=https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-north-south/ |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk}}</ref>

==History==
===Background===
Edinburgh and Leith were originally served by horse-drawn coaches, and then from 1871 various companies and corporations ran trams that were horse-drawn, then cable driven and finally electric. The municipal [[Edinburgh Corporation Tramways]] ran from 1919 until 16 November 1956.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh-history.co.uk/edinburgh-trams.html |title = History of Trams in Edinburgh |access-date = 15 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120210083845/http://www.edinburgh-history.co.uk/edinburgh-trams.html |archive-date = 10 February 2012 |website = edinburgh-history.co.uk |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=07dnAAAAMAAJ |title = The Edinburgh Encyclopedia |publisher = Mainstream Publishing |last = Mullay |first = Sandy |year = 1996 |pages = 348–351 |isbn = 1851587624 |language = en-GB}}</ref> After that date, public transport consisted of buses and a limited network of commuter rail lines.

Towards the end of the 20th century, there was [[Transport in the United Kingdom#Trams and light rail|revived interest]] in trams in the United Kingdom and networks were reintroduced in [[Midland Metro|Birmingham]], [[Tramlink|Croydon]], [[Manchester Metrolink|Manchester]], [[Nottingham Express Transit|Nottingham]] and [[Sheffield Supertram|Sheffield]].<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/trams-hit-cost-barrier-1342433.html |title = Trams hit cost barrier |work = The Independent |date = 17 March 1996 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |first = David |last = Bowen |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name = "retro 2021">{{cite web |url = https://retrospectjournal.com/2021/03/14/hell-on-wheels-the-miserable-history-of-the-edinburgh-trams-project-2001-to-the-present/ |title = "Hell on wheels": The Miserable History of the Edinburgh Trams project, 2001 to the Present |website = retrospectjournal.com |first = Inge |last = Erdal |date = 14 March 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Proposals for a network in Edinburgh were made in the 1990s, and a plan to build a line along [[Princes Street]] and [[Leith Walk]] to [[Newhaven, Edinburgh|Newhaven]] was proposed in 1999 by the City of Edinburgh Council, [[Scottish Enterprise|Lothian and Edinburgh Enterprise]] and the New Edinburgh Tramways Company.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/spl/aberdeen/capital-on-track-to-see-return-of-the-trams-1.288289 |title = Capital on track to see return of the trams |work = The Herald |date = 4 June 1999 |access-date = 13 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110720111051/http://lrta.info/Facts/facts111.html |archive-date = 20 July 2011 |title = Scottish Light Rail : is it a "U" Turn? |publisher = Light Rail Transit Association |url = http://lrta.info/Facts/facts111.html |access-date = 13 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Initial proposals and agreement===
{{Main|Proposals for new tram lines in Edinburgh}}
A 2001 proposal envisaged three routes, lines 1, 2 and 3. The first was a circular route around the northern suburbs, and the others were radial routes to Newbridge in the west and [[Newcraighall]] in the south.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburghtrams.com/include/uploads/story_so_far/Tram_Factsheets_2.pdf |title = Tram Facts 8 |year = 2006 |publisher = City of Edinburgh Council |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111006195903/http://www.edinburghtrams.com/include/uploads/story_so_far/Tram_Factsheets_2.pdf |archive-date = 6 October 2011 |access-date = 2 April 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref> All lines would have passed through the city centre. In May 2004, a 15-year operating contract was awarded to [[Transdev (historic)|Transdev]], to operate and maintain the tram network.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://archive.org/details/Nr110202Trams1 |title = Edinburgh trams Interim report |date = February 2011 |publisher = Auditor General for Scotland |access-date = 18 February 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/french-firm-to-be-axed-in-major-edinburgh-tram-savings-drive-1-775287 |title = 'French firm to be axed' in major Edinburgh tram savings drive |work = The Scotsman |date = 17 September 2009 |access-date = 18 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> This contract was cancelled in 2009.<ref name=TransportXtra21Dec09>{{cite news |url = http://www.transportxtra.com/magazines/new_transit/news/?id=18461 |title = Transdev loses Edinburgh tram contract as council seeks to scale down scheme's costs |work = Transport Xtra |date = 21 December 2009 |access-date = 15 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Two [[bill (proposed law)|bills]] to reintroduce a tram network were passed by the [[Scottish Parliament]] in March 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2006/7/contents |title = Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Act 2006 |date = 29 March 2006 |work = legislation.gov.uk |publisher = [[National Archives]] |access-date = 13 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2006/6/contents |title = Edinburgh Tram (Line Two) Act 2006 |date = 22 March 2006 |work = legislation.gov.uk |publisher = National Archives|access-date = 13 January 2010}}</ref> Lines 1 and 2 received parliamentary permission, but funding the entire network was deemed impossible. Line 3, to be paid for by a proposed [[Edinburgh congestion charge]], was scrapped when the charge was heavily defeated in a referendum and construction of the remaining two lines was split into four phases:

*'''Phase 1a''' {{convert|11.5|mi|adj=on|order=flip}} from Newhaven to [[Edinburgh Airport]] via [[Princes Street]], combining parts of lines 1 and 2
*'''Phase 1b''' {{convert|3.5|mi|adj=on|order=flip}} from [[Haymarket, Edinburgh|Haymarket]] to [[Granton, Edinburgh|Granton Square]] via [[Crewe Toll]], comprising most of the remainder of line 1
*'''Phase 2''' linking Granton Square and Newhaven, completing the line 1 loop
*'''Phase 3''' extending the airport line to [[Newbridge, Edinburgh|Newbridge]], completing line 2
[[File:Edinburgh tramway map.svg|center|thumb|800px|A map of the planned tramway]]
The future of the scheme came under threat in 2007, when the [[Scottish National Party]] (SNP) published its [[manifesto]] for the [[2007 Scottish Parliament election|Scottish Parliamentary election]]. The party made clear its intention to cancel the scheme, along with the [[Edinburgh Airport Rail Link]], to save £1.1&nbsp;billion.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ass07/man/scot/snp.pdf |title = Manifesto of the Scottish National Party |publisher = Scottish National Party |access-date = 13 September 2013 |page = 19 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131005021619/http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/ass07/man/scot/snp.pdf |archive-date = 5 October 2013 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name = "retro 2021"/>

Following a lost vote in the Scottish Parliament, the SNP-led minority [[Scottish Government]] agreed to continue the line from the airport to Leith on condition that no more public money would be supplied. A report by [[Audit Scotland]], commissioned by the Scottish Government, confirmed that the cost projections were sound.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/docs/central/2007/nr_070620_edin_transport_project.pdf |title = Edinburgh transport projects review |publisher = Audit Scotland |date = June 2007 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6243158.stm |title = Climbdown after transport defeat |work = BBC News |date = 27 June 2007 |access-date = 21 May 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/trams-given-green-light-but-it-s-the-end-for-earl-and-delay-for-other-key-projects-1-906839 |title = Trams given green light |work = The Scotsman |date = 28 June 2007 |access-date = 21 May 2010 |first = Hamish |last = Macdonell |language = en-GB}}</ref> The cost of the scheme in 2003 was estimated at £498{{nbsp}}million, £375{{nbsp}}million in funding from the Scottish Government and £45{{nbsp}}million from Edinburgh Council.<ref>{{cite book |first1 = Iain |last1 = Docherty |first2 = Jon |last2 = Shaw |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=r_hUqVaw8qsC&pg=111 |title = Traffic jam: ten years of 'sustainable' transport in the UK |publisher = The Policy Press |year = 2008 |page = 111 |isbn = 978-1-84742-072-5 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last = Marshall |first = Chris |title = Tram spend so far hits £440m |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/tram-spend-so-far-hits-163-440m-1-1630547 |access-date = 16 May 2011 |work = The Scotsman |date = 13 May 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

On 25 October 2007, the council approved the final business case.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/city-chiefs-give-go-ahead-to-163-498m-tram-line-1-1345855 |title = City chiefs give go-ahead to £498m tram line |work = The Scotsman |date = 25 October 2007 |access-date = 21 May 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Approval was given on 22 December 2007 for TIE to sign contracts with [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|CAF]] to supply vehicles and BBS (a consortium of [[Bilfinger Berger]] and [[Siemens]]) to design and construct the network.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/construction-consortium-edinburgh-tram-contract |title = Construction consortium for Edinburgh tram contract |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140525195335/http://www.builderandengineer.co.uk/news/construction-consortium-edinburgh-tram-contract |archive-date = 25 May 2014  |publisher = Builder & Engineer |date = 23 October 2007 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/city-leaders-back-the-final-case-for-trams-1-1238818 |title = City leaders back the final case for trams |work = The Scotsman |date = 22 December 2007 |access-date = 21 May 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Contract negotiations finished in April 2008, and construction started in June 2008. By this stage the cost of the project was estimated at £521{{nbsp}}million. Funding problems and political disputes led to the scaling back of the original plans. In April 2009, the council cancelled phase 1b, citing revenue shortfall created by the [[Great Recession]] to save an estimated £75{{nbsp}}million.<ref name=BBC24Apr09>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8016093.stm |title = Funding concerns for tram project |work = BBC News |date = 24 April 2009 |access-date = 11 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The Granton extension was also cancelled for the same purpose.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/3485321/Edinburgh-tram-network-falls-victim-to-credit-crunch.html |title = Edinburgh tram network falls victim to credit crunch |date = 19 November 2008 |work = The Daily Telegraph |access-date = 11 January 2010 |first = Simon |last = Johnson |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name = "retro 2021"/>

===Construction: 2007–2012===
[[File:Tram works in Princes Street, Edinburgh.jpg|thumb|left|Tracks being laid on [[Princes Street]] in November 2009]]
Until August 2011, the project was overseen by [[Transport Initiatives Edinburgh]] (TIE), a company wholly owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, who were responsible for [[project management|project-managing]] the construction of the tramway.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport/after-eight-years-of-chaos-citys-pound700m-trams-project-is-stopped-in-its-tracks.14848264 |title = After eight years of chaos, city's £700m trams project is stopped in its tracks |work = The Herald |access-date = 15 September 2013 |first = Damien |last = Henderson |date = 26 August 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

After the draft business case was accepted by the Scottish Government in March 2007,<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6458981.stm |title = £60m released for Edinburgh trams |work = BBC News |date = 16 March 2007 |access-date = 21 May 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> initial construction work commenced in July 2007, with the diversion of [[Public utility|underground utilities]] in preparation for track-laying in Leith.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6282428.stm |title = Work begins on city tram project |work = BBC News |date = 9 July 2007 |access-date = 18 October 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> These works followed a plan by System Design Services (SDS), a joint design team led by [[Parsons Brinckerhoff]] and [[Halcrow Group]].

In May 2008, final contracts to build the tram system were awarded to BSC, a [[consortium]] of [[Bilfinger Berger]], [[Siemens]] and Spanish tram builder [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles]] (CAF).<ref>{{cite magazine |last = Rowson |first = Jessica |url = http://www.nce.co.uk/final-contracts-awarded-for-edinburgh-tram/1346152.article |title = Final contracts awarded for Edinburgh Tram |magazine = New Civil Engineer |date = 16 May 2008 |access-date = 21 May 2010 |archive-date = 6 February 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150206035031/http://www.nce.co.uk/final-contracts-awarded-for-edinburgh-tram/1346152.article |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>

The tramway uses a mix of [[street running]] and segregated off-road track, with conventional tram stop platforms.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20236/about_the_trams/1968/about_the_trams |title = The tram service – About the service and the project |publisher = City of Edinburgh Council |access-date = 17 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130828065327/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20236/about_the_trams/1968/about_the_trams |archive-date = 28 August 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Stops are fitted with shelters, ticket machines, lighting and [[CCTV]]. The network is operated from a depot in [[Gogar, Edinburgh|Gogar]], close to the [[A8 road (Great Britain)|A8]] roundabout, immediately west of [[Edinburgh Gateway station|Edinburgh Gateway tram stop]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.barr-construction.co.uk/projects%2Dand%2Dcase%2Dstudies/industrial%2Dbuilding/edinburgh%2Dtramway%2Ddepot/ |title = Edinburgh Tramway Depot |publisher = Barr Construction |year = 2011 |access-date = 18 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120428185720/http://www.barr-construction.co.uk/projects-and-case-studies/industrial-building/edinburgh-tramway-depot/ |archive-date = 28 April 2012 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>

The route of the line required the construction of bridges to cross railway lines at [[Edinburgh Park]] and [[Stenhouse, Edinburgh|Stenhouse]], and a tunnel under the A8 near the Gogar roundabout. A bridge at Balgreen was widened.<ref>{{cite book |url = http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S2_Bills/Edinburgh%20Tram%20(Line%20One)%20Bill/chapter6.pdf |title = Chapter Six - Land Use: Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Bill |publisher = Scottish Parliament |year = 2004 |location = Edinburgh |language = en-GB}}</ref> Works to build a tram interchange at Haymarket station involved the demolition of a [[Category A listed|Category C(S) listed building]], the former Caledonian Alehouse on Haymarket Terrace.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S2_Bills/Edinburgh%20Tram%20(Line%20One)%20Bill/line1-NTS.pdf |title = Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Bill Environmental Statement |publisher = Scottish Parliament |access-date = 14 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Some on-street track was laid in a special foundation with cobbled road surfacing designed to be sympathetic with the style of Edinburgh streets but was removed in many places due to objections from cyclists.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/35396/item_12-york_place_edinburgh. |title = Prior Approval 12/00915/PA at York Place – Edinburgh |publisher = City of Edinburgh Council |access-date = 17 September 2013 |archive-date = 5 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160305194022/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/35396/item_12-york_place_edinburgh. |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> The trams are powered by overhead cables attached to purpose-built poles or mounted on the sides of buildings.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/letters/tram-wires-on-buildings-keep-the-clutter-down-1-3040023 |title = Tram wires on buildings keep the clutter down |work = The Scotsman |date = 10 August 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Nine electrical sub-stations were planned for the line to Newhaven, both underground and above-ground<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7364445.stm |title = Tram work to close Princes Street |work = BBC News |date = 24 April 2008 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> but only five were built after the line was truncated at York Place.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburghtrams.info/equipment |title = Edinburgh Tram Info |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 15 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130831154138/http://edinburghtrams.info/equipment |archive-date = 31 August 2013 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>

====Revisions and delays====
In 2008 and 2009, the project met with delays to work on tramway infrastructure. Phase 1b of the project was cancelled because of a funding shortfall in April 2009.<ref name=BBC24Apr09/> Contractual disputes delayed track-laying in the city centre. In December 2009, media reported that the project budget was running over £545{{nbsp}}million, and the system was unlikely to come into operation until February 2012 or later.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/blogs/scotland-now/edinburgh-trams-saga-is-far-from-over-1.991682 |title = Edinburgh trams saga is far from over |last = Henderson |first = Damien |date = 12 December 2009 |work = The Herald |access-date = 15 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The operating contract with Transdev was cancelled in December 2009 to reduce costs and it was announced that the trams would be operated by Edinburgh Trams Limited, a subsidiary of Transport for Edinburgh.<ref name=TransportXtra21Dec09/><ref>{{cite web |url = http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/SC451434 |title = Company no SC451434 Edinburgh Trams Limited |publisher = Companies House |access-date = 14 May 2024 |language=en-GB}}</ref> During March 2010, Bilfinger Berger announced that the estimated completion date would be in 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8560788.stm |title = Tram project 'could be delayed' |work = BBC News |date = 10 March 2010 |access-date = 11 March 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-12342581 |title = Edinburgh tram firm 'at risk of lacking skills' |work = BBC News |date = 2 February 2011 |access-date = 24 May 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

====Contractual disputes====
In February 2009, work on the [[Princes Street]] section stopped due to contractual disagreements between TIE and BSC after the latter submitted a request for an additional £80{{nbsp}}million of funding.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/4736023/512m-Edinburgh-tram-project-in-disarray.html |title = £512m Edinburgh tram project in disarray |date = 20 February 2009 |work = The Daily Telegraph |access-date = 11 January 2010 |first = Auslan |last = Cramb |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.stv.tv/east-central/78176-business-dispute-slams-brakes-on-edinburgh-trams/ |title = Business dispute slams brakes on Edinburgh trams |work = STV News |date = 21 February 2009 |access-date = 11 January 2010 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304045534/http://news.stv.tv/east-central/78176-business-dispute-slams-brakes-on-edinburgh-trams/ |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> Edinburgh Council believed the contractors' claims were unjustified as they had agreed to fixed-price contracts.<ref name="You&Yours5Mar09">{{cite episode |title = Tram scheme hits hard times |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours/ram/2009_09_thu_03.ram |series = You and Yours |series-link = You and Yours |credits = Winifred Robinson |network =  BBC |station = Radio 4 |airdate = 5 March 2009 |language = en-GB}}</ref> After negotiations, BSC agreed to commence construction in March 2009 within the original budget, although disagreements remained.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/princes-street-works-to-start-at-last-as-deal-ends-tram-row-1-1195975 |title = Princes Street works to start at last as deal ends tram row |last = McLaughlin |first = Mark |date = 21 March 2009 |work = The Scotsman |access-date = 11 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Work restarted and line construction went ahead.

In August 2009, TIE began legal proceedings against the BSC consortium over delays to the project,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6797192.ece |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604143805/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6797192.ece |url-status = dead |archive-date = 4 June 2011 |title = Engineers face legal action over Edinburgh tram delay |date = 14 August 2009 |work = The Times |access-date = 13 January 2010 |first = Sadie |last = Gray |language = en-GB}}{{subscription required}}</ref> and track-laying on Leith Walk, Shandwick Place and Haymarket was suspended. At issue were alleged changes to BSC's work specification, including track works on Princes Street and £5{{nbsp}}million additional costs for foundation work near [[Murrayfield Stadium]]. The BSC consortium alleged that TIE had not diverted the underground utilities in time for track-laying to begin, breaching contractual agreements and costing the consortium additional staffing expenditure.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.ft.com/content/be940888-1a99-11df-bef7-00144feab49a |title = Extra cost of Edinburgh tram line fuels dispute |last = Wright |first = Robert |date = 16 February 2010 |work = Financial Times |access-date = 17 February 2010 |language = en-GB}}{{subscription required}}</ref>

In January 2010, the independent arbiter found in favour of TIE on some points, but on most of the disputed issues ruled in favour of BSC and awarded the consortium 90% of its additional costs, estimated to be up to £80{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/council-loses-crucial-trams-dispute-1.999062 |title = Council loses crucial trams dispute |last = Henderson |first = Damien |date = 16 January 2010 |work = The Herald |access-date = 16 January 2010 |archive-date = 9 August 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140809105645/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/council-loses-crucial-trams-dispute-1.999062 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Delays in track laying and depot construction affected vehicle testing. By September 2009, construction was reported to be nine months behind schedule, and CAF was due to deliver the first trams from its factory in Spain. With key [[dependency (project management)|project dependency]] out of synchronisation, TIE held discussions with [[Transport for London]] about delivering the trams to [[Croydon]] to conduct operational tests on the [[Tramlink]] network.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/city-s-first-tram-stop-unveiled-in-croydon-1-1217456 |title = City's first tram stop unveiled.. in Croydon |date = 8 September 2009 |work = The Scotsman |access-date = 13 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/4587166.Scottish_trams_diverted_to_Croydon/ |title = Scottish trams diverted to Croydon |date = 9 September 2009 |work = This is Local London |access-date = 13 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Tram vehicle testing commenced in March 2010 on the [[Wegberg-Wildenrath Test and Validation Centre|Siemens test track]] in [[Wildenrath]], Germany.<ref>{{cite AV media |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVAytcypXyY |archive-url = https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/cVAytcypXyY |archive-date = 21 December 2021 |url-status = live |title = Edinburgh Trams being tested in Germany |work = YouTube |year = 2010 |language = en-GB}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The tests included recreating the steep gradients of Leith Walk, and using weights to simulate the heavy passenger load expected during a [[Murrayfield Stadium|Murrayfield]] match day.<ref name=Scotsman4Mar10>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/trams-shocker-residents-face-window-washing-ban-over-electrocution-fears-1-1232079 |title = Trams shocker: Residents face window washing ban over electrocution fears |last = Marshall |first = Chris |date = 4 March 2010 |work = The Scotsman |access-date = 4 March 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8548606.stm |title = Transport chiefs 'want Edinburgh tram network' |work = BBC News |date = 4 March 2010 |access-date = 4 March 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

====Funding crisis====
[[File:Gogar Tram Depot, Edinburgh.JPG|thumb|Gogar depot in October 2012]]
Following further disputes and delays, it was reported in March 2010 that Edinburgh Council was considering cancelling the contract with Bilfinger Berger.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://news.stv.tv/east-central/162746-trams-contractor-could-be-axed-over-further-30-month-delay/ |title = Trams firm faces axe as it reveals Edinburgh work may take until 2014 |work = STV News |date = 10 March 2010 |access-date = 11 March 2010 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023609/http://news.stv.tv/east-central/162746-trams-contractor-could-be-axed-over-further-30-month-delay/ |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> By June 2010, the project's cost had risen to £600{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite news |last = Leask |first = David |title = Tram chiefs admit: we have no idea what final bill will be |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/tram-chiefs-admit-we-have-no-idea-what-final-bill-will-be-1.1035908 |access-date = 19 June 2010 |work = The Herald |date = 19 June 2010 |archive-date = 27 December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131227103701/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/tram-chiefs-admit-we-have-no-idea-what-final-bill-will-be-1.1035908 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> Council project managers were reported to be in crisis talks, considering options including: borrowing £55{{nbsp}}million to fund the increased costs; phasing the introduction of the tram line, so that trams would initially run between the airport and Haymarket; and terminating the contract with Bilfinger Berger.<ref>{{cite news |last = Carrell |first = Severin |title = Edinburgh trams project in crisis as sacking of key contractor is considered |url = https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/jun/18/edinburgh-trams-project-in-crisis |access-date = 19 June 2010 |work = The Guardian |date = 18 June 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The council asked TIE to draw up costs for truncating the line at four places: [[Haymarket railway station|Haymarket station]], York Place, the foot of [[Leith Walk]] or [[Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh|Ocean Terminal]].<ref>{{cite news |last = Ferguson |first = Brian |title = Soaring costs may force Edinburgh tram line to be cut short |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/soaring-costs-may-force-edinburgh-tram-line-to-be-cut-short-1-813537 |access-date = 19 June 2010 |work = The Scotsman |date = 19 June 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Work resumed in May 2011 at priority locations, Haymarket Yards and Gogar, while the project's future was decided by the council. In August 2011 it was announced TIE would be disbanded and consultants [[Turner & Townsend]] would manage the project.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-14573152 |title = Edinburgh trams project to be managed by new firm |work = BBC News |date = 18 August 2011 |access-date = 2 September 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.nce.co.uk/news/transport/turner-and-townsend-to-manage-edinburgh-tram/8618835.article |title = Turner & Townsend to manage Edinburgh Tram |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150713075031/http://www.nce.co.uk/news/transport/turner-and-townsend-to-manage-edinburgh-tram/8618835.article |archive-date = 13 July 2015 |publisher = New Civil Engineer |date = 22 August 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

On 30 June 2011, Edinburgh Council voted to continue the line between Edinburgh Airport and St Andrew Square. Costs rose to an estimated £770{{nbsp}}million, leaving the council with a shortfall of more than £200{{nbsp}}million.<ref name=BBC2Sep11>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-14751711 |title = Edinburgh trams: Council backs St Andrew Square option |work = BBC News |date = 2 September 2011 |access-date = 2 September 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/exclusive-trams-set-to-stop-at-york-place-1-1245146 |title = Exclusive: Trams set to stop at York Place |work = The Scotsman |date = 23 June 2010 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The option to scrap the project was considered, but rejected.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-13959276 |title = Edinburgh trams: Councillors vote to continue project |work = BBC News |date = 30 June 2011 |access-date = 30 June 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref> On 25 August 2011, the council voted to cut the line to run between the airport and [[Haymarket, Edinburgh|Haymarket]], reducing the expected cost to £715{{nbsp}}million.<ref>{{cite web |title = Running trams to Princes Street £60m cheaper |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/running-trams-to-princes-street-60m-cheaper-1.1120202 |work = The Herald |date = 27 August 2011 |access-date = 27 August 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref> A week later, after the Scottish Government threatened to withhold £72{{nbsp}}million of funding,<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-14713476 |title = Ministers withhold Edinburgh trams funding |work = BBC News |date = 30 August 2011 |access-date = 20 March 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref> the council reversed its decision, restoring the terminus at [[St Andrew Square, Edinburgh|St Andrew Square]].<ref name=BBC2Sep11/> On 29 November 2011, it was announced that the eastern terminus would be at York Place instead of St Andrew Square; the intention had been to build the tracks to a reversing point at York Place (without a stop for passengers). Extending passenger services from St Andrew Square to York Place would enable Broughton Street, Picardy Place and the surrounding area to be better served at comparatively little additional cost.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/additional-stop-planned-1.1137112 |title = Additional stop planned |work = The Herald |date = 29 November 2011 |access-date = 10 April 2012 |archive-date = 24 May 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150524214506/http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/additional-stop-planned-1.1137112 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>

The first electric wires were energised in October 2011 within the depot at Gogar. Testing trams began in December 2011 near the depot at Gogar, on a {{convert|500|m|yd|adj=on}} length of track.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-15337328 |title = First tram arrives at Gogar depot in Edinburgh |work = BBC News |date = 17 October 2011 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-16147559 |title = Edinburgh trams on track for test trials at Gogar |work = BBC News |date = 12 December 2011 |access-date = 18 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> On 15 December 2011, the contractors handed the depot to the City of Edinburgh Council.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/744/depot_handover_marks_major_milestone_for_edinburgh_trams |title = Depot handover marks major milestone for Edinburgh Trams |publisher = City of Edinburgh Council |date = 15 December 2011 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130202090537/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/744/depot_handover_marks_major_milestone_for_edinburgh_trams |archive-date = 2 February 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The first completed section of line, between the depot and Edinburgh Airport, was used to test a tram at full speed on 19 December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/1103/full_speed_tram_tests_mark_the_end_of_successful_2012 |title = Full speed tram tests mark the end of successful 2012 |publisher = City of Edinburgh Council |date = 19 December 2012 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130202171320/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/1103/full_speed_tram_tests_mark_the_end_of_successful_2012 |archive-date = 2 February 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

With extra interest payments factored in, the cost of the line was expected to exceed £1{{nbsp}}billion despite the decreased scope of the network.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-14594872 | title = Council to borrow £231m for Edinburgh trams project |work = BBC News |date = 19 August 2011 |access-date = 19 August 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name = "retro 2021"/>

====Criticism====
[[File:Tram works at Haymarket railway station, Edinburgh.jpg|thumb|Construction works outside [[Haymarket railway station]] in August 2012]]
Delays in construction were criticised by businesses, who claimed their income was damaged by long-term road closures in the centre of the city, and also by some residents.<ref name="You&Yours5Mar09"/><ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7373659.stm |title = Traders create tram action group |work = BBC News |date = 29 April 2008 |access-date = 11 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/traders-unhappy-as-shandwick-place-to-close-for-18-months-1-1226555 |title = Traders unhappy as Shandwick Place to close for 18 months |date = 22 December 2009 |work = The Scotsman |access-date = 16 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Cycling groups voiced safety concerns after people were injured as their bicycle wheels became caught in the track. They reported the road surface around the tracks was crumbling, raising further safety problems. In response, TiE promised to carry out repairs and Edinburgh Trams agreed to fund special training for cyclists.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8400094.stm |title = Edinburgh tram lines throw cyclists off track |work = BBC News |date = 7 December 2009 |access-date = 11 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref> During 2017, a woman was crushed to death by a passing bus when her bicycle wheel was caught in the tracks.<ref name=en17>{{cite news |title = Medical student killed on Princes Street was 'bright star' |url = https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/medical-student-killed-princes-street-was-bright-star-822955 |access-date = 13 August 2025 |publisher = Edinburgh Evening News |date = 2 June 2017 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Further safety concerns were raised by residents along the routes about the suspension of overhead electric cables from residential buildings, and some property owners refused permission for cables to be attached.<ref name=Scotsman4Mar10/>

To remedy crumbling tarmac along the tracks on Princes Street, the road was closed in September 2011 and remained closed for ten months.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/tram_repair_crews_out_to_fix_botched_roadworks_1_1531045 |title = Tram repair crews out to fix 'botched' roadworks |work = The Scotsman |date = 9 March 2011 |access-date = 20 November 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-14958817 |title = Edinburgh tram line repair works get under way |work = BBC News |date = 17 September 2011 |access-date = 18 November 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref> A road closure between Haymarket and Shandwick Place in March 2012 led to complaints from businesses and residents. It remained closed until October 2013. Originally to open as ''Shandwick Place'' tram stop, it was renamed ''West End - Princes Street'' prior to opening at the request of local traders, who felt the new name had greater associations to the city centre and would encourage more tourists to get off there. The stop was renamed again in August 2019 as ''West End''.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/trams-shandwick-place-stop-renamed-princes-street-1-3106746 |title = Trams: Shandwick Place stop renamed Princes Street |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130929090452/http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/trams-shandwick-place-stop-renamed-princes-street-1-3106746 |archive-date = 29 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name="spreopen"/><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/815/latest_tram_works_due_to_start_as_mound_reopens |title = Latest tram works due to start as Mound reopens |publisher = City of Edinburgh Council |date = 1 March 2012 |access-date = 15 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130202090526/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/815/latest_tram_works_due_to_start_as_mound_reopens |archive-date = 2 February 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/tramworks-shandwick-place-to-reopen-next-month-1-3092004 |title = Shandwick Place to reopen next month |work = The Scotsman |date = 13 September 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Completion: 2013–2014===
From late 2012, work continued mostly on schedule.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-line-may-be-open-for-christmas-1-2986949 |title = Line may be open for Christmas |work = The Scotsman |date = 3 July 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> More than {{convert|150|m|yds}} of flawed concrete trackbed had to be replaced between Shandwick Place and Haymarket.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-section-of-track-to-be-ripped-up-1-2950473 |title = Section of track to be ripped up |work = The Scotsman |date = 31 May 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-contractors-admit-concrete-blunder-1-3038204 |title = Contractors admit concrete blunder |work = The Scotsman |date = 9 August 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> In June 2013, overhead electric wires were installed on the city centre portion of the route. This was considered the last major step in the construction process.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.railstaff.co.uk/2013/06/21/edinburgh-wires-go-up/ |title = Edinburgh wires go up |newspaper = RailStaff |date = 21 June 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Originally, it was planned that concessionary travel, that is the ability of those with a [[Scottish National Entitlement Card]] to travel on public transport free of charge, was not going to be offered on the tramway. This was despite the fact that Edinburgh Trams is to be run by Lothian Buses, who are mandated to offer free travel to those with concession cards on all their bus routes.<ref name=Scotsman14Jan13>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/call-to-give-elderly-free-travel-on-city-trams-1-2735967 |title = Call to give elderly free travel on city trams |work = The Scotsman |date = 14 January 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> This revelation quickly caused city leaders to support an ''Edinburgh Evening News'' campaign to ensure that concessionary travel would be offered on the new tramway. City transport convener [[Lesley Hinds]] stated "People in Edinburgh have paid through their council tax and their taxes for the trams to get up and running and it would be wrong for a large proportion of the population not to be allowed to use their concessionary bus pass".<ref name=Scotsman14Jan13/>
[[File:Edinburgh trams, Shandwick Place.JPG|thumb|Trams on Shandwick Place during driver training in March 2014]]
Despite this, the [[Scottish Government]] refused to pay for concessionary travel for the tram scheme, as it does for all bus routes in Scotland. Talks between the Scottish Government and Edinburgh Council eventually decided that concession cards should be valid for tram travel, but that they should be paid for by the Council instead of the Government.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/free-tram-travel-for-the-elderly-1-2780521 |title = Free tram travel for the elderly |work = The Scotsman |date = 8 February 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> It was revealed on 15 August 2013 that the cards would be valid, and that travel would be paid for by Edinburgh Council. However, only people with cards issued in Edinburgh would be able to use them.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://news.stv.tv/east-central/236181-passengers-to-use-one-ticket-for-both-edinburgh-trams-and-buses/ |title = Passengers to use one ticket for both Edinburgh trams and buses |work = STV News |date = 15 August 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000220/http://news.stv.tv/east-central/236181-passengers-to-use-one-ticket-for-both-edinburgh-trams-and-buses/ |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> This compromise upset many people in [[the Lothians]], who often commute or travel into Edinburgh.<ref name="TicketingSCOTSMANAug13">{{cite web |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/anger-at-edinburgh-trams-ticket-plans-1-3048079 |title = Anger at Edinburgh trams ticket plans |work = The Scotsman |access-date = 26 August 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

Works were two months ahead of schedule by September 2013, when Edinburgh Council announced the tramway would open by May 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-24124047 |title = Edinburgh trams: Services 'will be running by next May |work = BBC News |date = 17 September 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> All tram and road works were completed by 19 October<ref name="spreopen">{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-24571752 |title = Edinburgh trams: Shandwick Place to reopen after works |work = BBC News |date = 18 October 2013 |access-date = 18 October 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> with testing of the trams between the depot and Edinburgh Park commencing on 8 October 2013. This was followed by the energising of tram wires from Bankhead tram stop to York Place on 19 November, marking the first time that the route was completely energised.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/1387/tram_wires_power_up |title = Tram wires power up |work = City of Edinburgh Council |date = 19 November 2013 |access-date = 19 November 2013 |archive-date = 22 April 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170422212108/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/1387/tram_wires_power_up |url-status = dead }}</ref> Testing along the full length of the route began on 5 December.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/slow-tram-test-flanked-by-21-contractors-1-3130869 |title = Slow tram test flanked by 21 contractors |work = Edinburgh Evening News |date = 9 October 2013 |access-date = 10 October 2013 |last = Miller |first = Dale |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-on-princes-street-by-christmas-1-3096728 |title = Edinburgh trams on Princes Street by Christmas |first = David |last = McCann |work = Edinburgh Evening News |date = 17 September 2013 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-tram-back-on-princes-st-after-57-years-1-3221131 |title = Edinburgh tram back on Princes St after 57 years |work = The Scotsman |date = 5 December 2013 |access-date = 5 December 2013 |last = Ross |first = Shân |language = en-GB}}</ref>

The tramway opened to passengers on 31 May 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-27602618 |title = Edinburgh's trams roll into action |work = BBC News |access-date = 31 May 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://edinburghtrams.com/news/welcome-on-board |title = Welcome on board |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |date = 31 May 2014 |access-date = 31 May 2014 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304022840/http://edinburghtrams.com/news/welcome-on-board |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Public inquiry===
{{Main|Edinburgh Tram Inquiry}}
In June 2014, shortly after the opening of the line, the then [[First Minister of Scotland|First Minister]] [[Alex Salmond]] announced a non-statutory public inquiry into the project's delays and cost overruns.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-27717735 |title = Edinburgh tram inquiry announced |work = [[BBC News]] |date = 5 June 2014 |access-date = 14 December 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The inquiry, which was headed by the former Lord Advocate, [[Lord Hardie|Andrew Hardie, Baron Hardie]], was later upgraded to a statutory inquiry to ensure that key personnel would provide evidence.<ref>{{cite press release |title = Edinburgh Tram Inquiry |url = http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Edinburgh-Tram-Inquiry-1213.aspx |publisher = [[Scottish Government]] |date = 7 November 2014 |access-date = 28 March 2015 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095013/http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/Edinburgh-Tram-Inquiry-1213.aspx |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>

The inquiry was itself subject to considerable delays. It finally published its report in August 2023. The report concluded that failings by Edinburgh Council, its arms-length companies and the Scottish Government were to blame for the delays,<ref>{{Cite news |last = Swanson |first = Ian |date = 19 September 2023 |title = Edinburgh tram inquiry: Lord Hardie's report blames Edinburgh council, TIE and Scottish Government |work = Edinburgh Evening News |url = https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/politics/edinburgh-tram-inquiry-lord-hardies-report-blames-edinburgh-council-tie-and-scottish-government-4341057 |language = en-GB}}</ref> with much of the criticism being directed against TIE. Lord Hardie made 24 recommendations in the report, and also provided a figure of £835.7m for the final cost of the project.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news |title = 'Litany of avoidable failures' in Edinburgh tram project |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-66854342 |access-date = 28 September 2023 |work = BBC News |date = 29 September 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Extension from city centre to Newhaven===
[[File:Tram Construction works (geograph 6733260).jpg|thumb|Construction work on [[Leith Walk]] in 2021]]
Edinburgh Council stated on 17 March 2014 that works would be conducted along Leith Walk to prepare it for a possible future extension of tram service.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/city-chiefs-to-get-leith-prepared-for-tram-line-1-3343224 |title = City chiefs to get Leith prepared for tram line |work = Edinburgh Evening News |date = 17 March 2014 |access-date = 20 March 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref> In December 2014, Edinburgh Council ordered a detailed business case for extending the line to Leith.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/council-calls-for-edinburgh-tram-extension-report-1-3626243 |title = Council calls for Edinburgh tram extension report |first = David |last = O'Leary |work = The Scotsman |date = 5 December 2014 |access-date = 19 April 2015 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The council said in July 2015 that three options for an extension to Leith had been costed. These were a £144.7{{nbsp}}million extension to Newhaven, a £126.6{{nbsp}}million extension to [[Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh|Ocean Terminal]], or a £78.7{{nbsp}}million extension to the Foot of [[Leith Walk]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Edinburgh Trams: Options for line extension revealed |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-33182160 |work = BBC News |access-date = 18 June 2015 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

During 2017, the business case to extend the system to Newhaven was approved.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/ |title = Trams to Newhaven |website = edinburgh.gov.uk |access-date = 23 April 2018 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name = "retro 2021"/>

In June 2018, [[Colin Beattie]], the [[Member of the Scottish Parliament|MSP]] for [[Midlothian North and Musselburgh (Scottish Parliament constituency)|Midlothian North and Musselburgh]], and others, suggested that the system should be extended to Musselburgh to relieve traffic congestion on the approaches to the [[Edinburgh City Bypass|City Bypass]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/16294343.calls-to-tackle-edinburgh-bypass-gridlock-as-tram-system-to-musselburgh-mooted/ |title = Calls to tackle Edinburgh Bypass gridlock as tram system to Musselburgh mooted |website = East Lothian Courier |date = 17 June 2018 |access-date = 14 April 2019 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

In March 2019, Edinburgh Council approved extending the system from York Place to [[Newhaven, Edinburgh|Newhaven]], with the line due to be operational by early 2023.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-47555231 |title = Councillors approve extension to Edinburgh's tram line |date = 14 March 2019 |work = BBC News |access-date = 16 February 2021 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201215172353/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-47555231 |archive-date = 15 December 2020 |url-status = live}}</ref> Preliminary works to Constitution Street and Leith Walk started in November 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Garriock |first = Rory |title = Constitution Street |url = https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/construction-information/constitution-street?categoryId=8&documentId=8 |access-date = 24 July 2021 |website = edinburgh.gov.uk |language = en-GB}}</ref> Work was suspended in March 2020 due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|coronavirus pandemic]]<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=33083 |title = Trams to Newhaven construction work to be suspended |last = Prior |first = Gareth |date = 26 March 2020 |website = britishtramsonline.co.uk |language = en-GB |access-date = 4 April 2020}}</ref> but was restarted in June 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title = Trams to Newhaven Main Construction works to restart |url = https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/ |publisher = City of Edinburgh Council |access-date = 16 June 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

In February 2022, the eastern terminating York Place stop was permanently closed for demolition and to enable connection to the Newhaven extension which relocated the York Place stop to Picardy Place.<ref name="York Place tram stop to be demolished">{{cite web |title = York Place tram stop to be demolished – trams to stop at West End until April |url = https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2022/02/york-place-tram-stop-to-be-demolished-trams-to-stop-at-west-end-until-april/ |website = The Edinburgh Reporter |date = 6 February 2022 |access-date = 28 February 2022 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Services initially terminated at the West End stop between February and April 2022, and then the St Andrew Square stop before June 2023; however, trams still ran to York Place to turn back.<ref>{{cite web |title = Edinburgh Trams will return to city centre next week as stops reopen |url = https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-trams-return-city-centre-23476001 |website = edinburghlive.co.uk |date = 23 March 2022 |access-date = 13 April 2022 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

On 13 March 2023, following completion of tracklaying and the installation of overhead power lines, test trams began running during the night between Picardy Place and Newhaven, becoming the first tram to run in Leith since the closure of the original tramway system.<ref name=":2">{{cite news |title = Tram runs on Edinburgh's Leith Walk for first time in 67 years |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-64951633 |access-date = 15 March 2023 |work = BBC News |date = 14 March 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The first test trams ran at walking pace, but their speed was later increased to {{convert|20|mph|km/h}}. Daytime testing commenced on 19 April 2023, with 40 newly recruited drivers under training.<ref>{{cite news |last1 = Dalton |first1 = Alastair |title = 'Ghost' trams start running daytime tests on Edinburgh city centre to Newhaven extension |url = https://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/ghost-trams-start-running-daytime-tests-on-edinburgh-city-centre-to-newhaven-extension-4110046 |work = The Scotsman |date = 19 April 2023 |location = Edinburgh |language = en-GB}}</ref> After an announcement on 25 May 2023, revenue service on the full route began on 7 June 2023.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last = Wilson |first = Chris |title = Trams to Newhaven Passenger Launch Date Announced as Pilrig Wheels installed at Iona Street |url = https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/news/article/419/trams-to-newhaven-passenger-launch-date-announced-as-pilrig-wheels-installed-at-iona-street |access-date = 25 May 2023 |website = edinburgh.gov.uk |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name="Edinburgh tram extension carries first passengers">{{Cite news |date = 6 June 2023 |title = Edinburgh tram extension carries first passengers |language = en-GB |work = BBC News |url = https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-65825816 |access-date = 7 June 2023}}</ref>

In June 2024, the Trams to Newhaven project won an award from the [[Local Government Chronicle]] in its Future Places category, with the citation praising "[t]he deep collaboration between the council and private sector partners".<ref>{{cite web |last1=George |first1=Martin |title=Winners of LGC Awards 2024 revealed |url=https://www.lgcplus.com/politics/governance-and-structure/winners-of-lgc-awards-2024-revealed-12-06-2024/ |website=Local Government Chronicle (LGC) |access-date=14 June 2024 |language=en |date=12 June 2024}}</ref>

=== Further north to south extension ===

During the early 2020s, plans were being prepared for a new line which would connect [[Granton, Edinburgh|Granton]] in the north of the city with the [[Edinburgh BioQuarter|Bioquarter]] in the south east, and possibly further onto either [[Dalkeith]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swanson |first=Ian |date=9 December 2022 |title=Edinburgh tram expansion backed by Scottish Government in new transport blueprint |work=Edinburgh Evening News |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-tram-expansion-backed-by-scottish-government-in-new-transport-blueprint-3947783}}</ref> or [[Queen Margaret University]] or [[Shawfair]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-56040370 |title = Huge tram extension planned for Edinburgh |publisher = BBC News |date = 12 February 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref> At a meeting on 1 February 2024, City of Edinburgh Council voted to put the proposed north–south extension to public consultation; by this point, it had an estimated construction cost of £2bn.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last = Pashby |first = Tom |date = 2 February 2024 |title = New £2bn Edinburgh tramline to be put to public consultation |url = https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/new-2bn-edinburgh-tramline-to-be-put-to-public-consultation-02-02-2024/ |magazine = New Civil Engineer |language = en-GB}}</ref>

In August 2025, a 12-week public consultation was launched for this extension serving the north–south axis of the city. This could link [[Granton, Edinburgh|Granton]] in the north to Crewe Toll, then either via the Roseburn Path to [[Murrayfield]] or via Orchard Brae and [[Dean Bridge]] to the west end of [[Princes Street]]. To the south, the proposals would see trams run over [[North Bridge, Edinburgh|North Bridge]] and [[South Bridge, Edinburgh|South Bridge]], through [[Newington, Edinburgh|Newington]] to [[Cameron Toll]] along Lady Road, then along Old Dalkeith Road to the [[Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh|Royal Infirmary]] and [[Edinburgh BioQuarter|BioQuarter]]. A lift connecting the North Bridge tram stop to [[Edinburgh Waverley railway station|Waverley railway station]] below is also proposed. The cost is estimated at between £2bn and £2.9bn depending on the option considered.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" />

Future extensions beyond into the city region could link to [[Queen Margaret University]] and [[East Lothian]] or to [[Shawfair]] and [[Midlothian]].<ref name=":4" />

==Annual patronage==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+Estimated passenger journeys (million) made on Edinburgh Trams by financial year (to 31 March)
|-
! Year
! Passenger<br />journeys
! Year
! Passenger<br />journeys
! Year
! Passenger<br />journeys
|-
! 2014{{ndash}}15
| 4.1
! 2022{{ndash}}23
| 5.3
! 
| 
|-
! 2015{{ndash}}16
| 5.3
! 2023{{ndash}}24
| 10.1
! 
| 
|-
! 2016{{ndash}}17
| 5.8
! 2024{{ndash}}25
| 12.2
! 
| 
|-
! 2017{{ndash}}18
| 6.8
! 2025{{ndash}}26
| 
! 
| 
|-
! 2018{{ndash}}19
| 7.5
! 2026{{ndash}}27
| 
! 
| 
|-
! 2019{{ndash}}20
| 7.1
! 2027{{ndash}}28
| 
! 
| 
|-
! 2020{{ndash}}21
| 0.9
! 2028{{ndash}}29
| 
! 
| 
|-
! 2021{{ndash}}22
| 2.8
! 2029{{ndash}}30
| 
! 
| 
|-
| style="background:#fff; font-size:90%;" colspan="6" |Estimates from the [[Department for Transport]]<ref name="dftjour">{{cite web |title=Passenger journeys on light rail and trams and undergrounds by system: Great Britain - annual from 1983/84 |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/719478/lrt0101.ods |publisher=Department for Transport |access-date=18 October 2024 |format=downloadable .ods [[OpenDocument]] file |language=en-gb}}</ref>
|}

==Current line==
===Route===
[[File:Tram at Newhaven.jpg|thumb|A tram arriving at the terminus in Newhaven shortly after the opening of the extension in June 2023]]
The single, {{convert|18.5|km|mi|adj=on}} route begins running on-street at Newhaven, and then, via an 8 stop extension which opened in June 2023, from the port of Leith<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":2" /> to York Place (now served by Picardy Place) in the city centre.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/1005/edinburgh_bus_station_to_remain_open_during_tram_works |title = Edinburgh bus station to remain open during tram works |date = 14 September 2012 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |work = News centre |publisher = City of Edinburgh |archive-date = 20 October 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131020075722/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/1005/edinburgh_bus_station_to_remain_open_during_tram_works |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.onlyinedinburgh.com/the-city/transport/trams/ |title = Edinburgh Trams |publisher = Only in Edinburgh |access-date = 16 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130904040237/http://www.onlyinedinburgh.com/the-city/transport/trams/ |archive-date = 4 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> It turns into North St Andrew Street, crosses [[St Andrew Square, Edinburgh|St Andrew Square]]. From the square, it heads southeast into [[Princes Street]], and west along the street toward [[Edinburgh|Haymarket]], via Shandwick Place, Atholl Place and West Maitland Street.<ref name=Openstreetmap>{{cite web |url = http://www.openstreetmap.org/browse/relation/2632877 |title = Edinburgh Trams Map |work = OpenStreetMap |access-date = 16 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> At Haymarket, the route heads onto a segregated track parallel to the [[Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk Line|Glasgow to Edinburgh mainline]]. It follows the railway line west for about {{convert|4.2|mi|km|order=flip}}, to [[Edinburgh Park railway station]]. There, it leaves the railway line on a segregated track and heads north to Gogar Roundabout from where it heads northwest via [[Ingliston]] Park and Ride to [[Edinburgh Airport]], where it terminates.<ref name=Openstreetmap/>

An additional tram stop was opened in December 2016, between Gyle Centre and Gogarburn.<ref name=railgazette>{{cite news |title = Edinburgh tramway opens |url = http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/edinburgh-tramway-opens.html |access-date = 6 June 2014 |date = 30 May 2014 |archive-date = 21 December 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161221150459/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/urban/single-view/view/edinburgh-tramway-opens.html |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> This stop, called Edinburgh Gateway, is situated alongside the [[Edinburgh Gateway station|Edinburgh Gateway railway station]] which opened at the same time. The station provides an interchange between Edinburgh Trams and the [[Fife Circle Line]] and [[Edinburgh to Aberdeen Line]]s.<ref name="nr-eg">{{cite web |title = 33.03 Project definition – EGIP – Edinburgh Gateway (Gogar) Intermodal Transport Interchange |url = http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/Delivery%20Plan/2010/Enhancements%20Document%20December%202010%20update.pdf#page=216 |publisher = Network Rail |access-date = 6 June 2014 |page = 212 |date = December 2010 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160118105154/http://www.networkrail.co.uk/browse%20documents/StrategicBusinessPlan/Delivery%20Plan/2010/Enhancements%20Document%20December%202010%20update.pdf#page=216 |archive-date = 18 January 2016 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref>  After this stop opened, crews changed here rather than at the special short platform which had been constructed alongside the nearby Gogar depot.  Thus, the additional stop at Edinburgh Gateway did not affect the end-to-end running time between the Airport and York Place.<ref>The Railway Observer, Volume 87.</ref>

[[File:Edinburgh Trams.png|thumb|600px|centre|Map of the Edinburgh trams route]]

===Stops===
{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left"
|-
! Image
! Tram stop
! Location
! Transport interchange
! Serves
!Comments
|-
|[[File:Tram at Newhaven.jpg|100px|alt=Tram at Newhaven]]
|[[Newhaven, Edinburgh|Newhaven]]
|{{coord|55.9800|-3.1889|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
|[[Western Harbour]]<br>[[Firth of Forth]]
|-
| [[File:Ocean Terminal tram stop.jpg|100px|alt= Ocean Terminal tram stop]]
|[[Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh|Ocean Terminal]] 
|{{coord|55.9802|-3.1777|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|{{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Lothian Buses]]
| [[HMY Britannia|Royal Yacht Britannia]]<br>[[Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh|Ocean Terminal shopping centre]]
|
|-
|[[File:Port of Leith tram stop.jpg|100px|alt= Port of Leith tram stop]]
|[[Leith|Port of Leith]]
|{{coord|55.9781|-3.1664|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
|[[Victoria Swing Bridge]]<br>[[MV Fingal|Fingal]]
|
|-
|[[File:The Shore tram stop.jpg|100px|alt=The Shore tram stop]]
|[[The Shore, Leith|The Shore]]
|{{coord|55.9750|-3.1669|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
|[[Water of Leith]]
|
|-
|[[File:FotW Tram stop.jpg|100px|alt=Newhaven tram at Foot of the Walk stop]]
|[[Constitution Street|Foot of the Walk]]
|{{coord|55.9704|-3.1746|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
|[[Great Junction Street]]<br>[[Leith Links]]
|
|-
|[[File:Balfour Street tram stop.jpg|100px|alt= Balfour Street tram stop]]
|[[Leith Walk|Balfour Street]]
|{{coord|55.9653|-3.1764|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
|[[Leith Walk|Leith Walk (lower)]]<br>[[Pilrig|Pilrig Park]]
|
|-
|[[File:McDonald Road tram stop.jpg|100px|alt= McDonald Road tram stop]]
|[[Leith Walk|McDonald Road]]
|{{coord|55.9607|-3.1816|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
|[[Leith Walk|Leith Walk (upper)]]
|
|-
|[[File:Picardy place tram stop.jpg|100px|alt= Picardy place tram stop]]
|[[Greenside, Edinburgh|Picardy Place]]
|{{coord|55.9569|-3.1869|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|{{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Lothian Buses]]
| [[Broughton, Edinburgh|Broughton area]]<br />[[Greenside, Edinburgh|Greenside area & attractions]]<br />[[St James Quarter]]
| Replaced the former York Place terminus
|-
| [[File:Trams at St Andrew Square, Edinburgh (geograph 3996542).jpg|100px|alt=Trams at St Andrew Square]]
| [[St Andrew Square#Tram|St Andrew Square]]
| {{coord|55.9543|-3.1921|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
| {{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Lothian Buses]]<br />{{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Edinburgh Bus Station]]<br />{{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} [[Edinburgh Waverley railway station|Waverley]]
| [[Scottish National Portrait Gallery]]<br />[[St James Quarter]]
|
|-
| [[File:Princes Street tram stop, Edinburgh.jpg|100px|alt=Princes Street tram stop]]
| [[Princes Street#Tram|Princes Street]]
| {{coord|55.9518|-3.1978|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|{{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Lothian Buses]]
| [[Royal Scottish Academy]]<br />[[National Gallery of Scotland]]<br />[[The Mound]]<br />[[Royal Mile]]
|
|-
| [[File:Edinburgh trams, Shandwick Place.JPG|100px|alt=Shandwick Place tram stop]]
| [[West End, Edinburgh#Tram|West End]]
| {{coord|55.9486|-3.2116|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
| [[St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh (Episcopal)|St Mary's Cathedral (Episcopal)]]<br />[[Economy of Edinburgh|Financial District]]
|
|-
| [[File:Tram tracks at Haymarket station, Edinburgh.jpg|100px|alt= Haymarket station tram stop]]
| [[Haymarket railway station#Services|Haymarket]]
| {{coord|55.9457|-3.2196|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
| {{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Lothian Buses]]<br />{{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Scottish Citylink]]<br />{{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} [[Haymarket railway station|Haymarket]]
| [[Dalry, Edinburgh|Dalry area]]<br />[[Edinburgh International Conference Centre|EICC]]<br>[[Economy of Edinburgh|Financial District]]
|
|-
| [[File:Murrayfield_Stadium_tram_stop_(geograph_4018205).jpg|100px|alt=Murrayfield Stadium tram stop]]
| [[Murrayfield Stadium#Tram|Murrayfield Stadium]]
| {{coord|55.9420|-3.2373|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
| [[Murrayfield Stadium]]<br />[[Roseburn|Roseburn area]]
|
|-
| [[File:Balgreen tram stop (geograph 3806652).jpg|100px|alt=Balgreen tram stop]]
| [[Balgreen]]
| {{coord|55.9381|-3.2522|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
| [[Saughton Park]]<br>[[Water of Leith Walkway]]<br>[[Edinburgh Zoo]]<small> (walk 1.25&nbsp;km)</small>
|
|-
| [[File:Edinburghs_Long-Awaited_Trams_(geograph_4010827).jpg|100px|alt=Saughton tram stop]]
| [[Saughton]]
| {{coord|55.9323|-3.2755|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
| [[Broomhouse, Edinburgh|Broomhouse]]<br />[[Carrick Knowe|Carrick Knowe area]]<br />[[Stenhouse, Edinburgh|Stenhouse area]]
|
|-
| [[File:Bankhead Tram Stop on the Edinburgh Tram Route (geograph 5499699).jpg|100px|alt=Bankhead tram stop]]
| [[Bankhead, Edinburgh|Bankhead]]
| {{coord|55.9289|-3.2938|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
|[[Edinburgh College|Edinburgh College Sighthill Campus]]<br />[[Napier University|Napier University Sighthill Campus]]<br />[[South Gyle]]
|
|-
| [[File:Edinburgh_Park_Station_tram_stop_(geograph_4167955).jpg|100px|alt=Edinburgh Park Station tram stop]]
| [[Edinburgh Park station#Services|Edinburgh Park Station]]
| {{coord|55.9274|-3.3070|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
| {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{stnlnk|Edinburgh Park}}
| Hermiston Gait Retail Park
|
|-
| [[File:Edinburgh Park Central tram stop.jpg|100px|alt=Edinburgh Park Central tram stop]]
| [[Edinburgh Park#Tram|Edinburgh Park Central]] 
| {{coord|55.9313|-3.3146|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
| [[Edinburgh Park]]
|
|-
| [[File:Tram stop at The Gyle (geograph 3579360).jpg|100px|alt=Tram stop at The Gyle]]
| [[Gyle Shopping Centre#Transport|Gyle Centre]]
| {{coord|55.9379|-3.3183|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
| [[Gyle Shopping Centre]]
|
|-
| [[File:Edinburgh Gateway Tram Stop from the station,.jpg|100px|alt=Edinburgh Gateway Tram Stop from the station]]
| [[Edinburgh Gateway]]
| {{coord|55.9405|-3.3218|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
| {{rail-interchange|gb|rail}} {{stnlink|Edinburgh Gateway}}
| Interchange Stop offering links from Fife via [[ScotRail]]
|
|-
| [[File:Edinburgh tram at Gogarburn (geograph 3377522).jpg|100px|alt=Edinburgh tram at Gogarburn]]
| [[Gogar#Transport|Gogarburn]]
| {{coord|55.9380|-3.3322|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|
| [[The Royal Bank of Scotland|Royal Bank of Scotland Headquarters]]
|
|-
| [[File:Ingliston Park & Ride tram stop (geograph 3505899).jpg|100px|alt=Ingliston Park & Ride tram stop]]
| [[Ingliston#Park and Ride|Ingliston Park & Ride]]
| {{coord|55.9400|-3.3539|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
| {{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Lothian Buses]]
| [[Ingliston]]<br />[[Royal Highland Showground|Royal Highland Centre]]
|
|-
| [[File:Tram crossing and signal (geograph 3738450).jpg|100px|alt=Edinburgh Airport tram stop]]
| [[Edinburgh Airport#Tram|Edinburgh Airport]]
| {{coord|55.9478|-3.3606|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
| {{rail-interchange|air}} [[Edinburgh Airport]]
|
|
|}

===Former stops===
{{Clear}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: left"
|-
! Image
! Tram stop
! Location
! Transport interchange
! Served
!Comments
|-
| [[File:York Place tram stop, Edinburgh.jpg|100px|alt=York Place tram stop]]
| York Place
| {{coord|55.9565|-3.1887|display=inline|region:GB_scale:2000}}
|{{rail-interchange|gb|bus}} [[Lothian Buses]]
| Broughton Street and neighbourhood<br />Omni Centre<br />Edinburgh Playhouse<br />St Mary's Cathedral (RC)
|Permanently closed in February 2022 due to the Newhaven extension. <br>York Place was replaced by Picardy Place when the extension opened in 2023
|}

===Frequencies and journey times===
Approximate journey times from the airport are ten minutes to Gyle Centre, 30 minutes to the city centre (Princes Street) and 55 minutes to Newhaven. The journey from the city centre to Newhaven takes approximately 25 minutes.

Services run every seven to ten minutes. {{As of|2023|06|07}}, the first service of the day leaves Gyle Centre for Newhaven at 04:26. The first service leaves Newhaven at 05:20 and the airport at 06:26. The last service of the day leaves the airport at 22:48 and Newhaven at 23:50. The timetable is broadly the same every day of the week, except for a slightly reduced early morning frequency on Saturdays and Sundays.<ref>{{cite web |title = Timetables |url = https://edinburghtrams.com/plan-journey/timetables |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 11 September 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

As the first scheduled flight leaves Edinburgh at approximately 06:00, it is not currently possible to use the tram to get to the airport in time for security and departure. Conversely it is also not possible to use the tram on later arriving flights at Edinburgh Airport.

There are often later services on Friday and Saturday nights during the [[Edinburgh International Festival|Edinburgh Festival]] and [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe|Fringe]]. The service interval is often reduced to three minutes before and after major events at [[Murrayfield Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web |title = The Tram is the quickest way to Murrayfield! |url = https://edinburghtrams.com/news/tram-quickest-way-murrayfield |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |date = 3 November 2021 |access-date = 28 February 2022 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

==Rolling stock==
===Current fleet===
Edinburgh Trams currently operates a fleet of 27 trams, as follows:<ref>{{cite web |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120318095302/http://www.edinburghtrams.com/include/uploads/media_release/Tram_Facts_A5_single_pages.pdf |url = http://www.edinburghtrams.com/include/uploads/media_release/Tram_Facts_A5_single_pages.pdf |title = Tram Facts |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |year = 2011 |access-date = 1 June 2014 |archive-date = 18 March 2012 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|----- bgcolor=#f9f9f9
! rowspan="2" |Class
! rowspan="2" |Image
! rowspan="2" |Type
! colspan="2" |&nbsp;Top speed&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |Length<br />metres
! colspan="4" |&nbsp;Capacity&nbsp;
! rowspan="2" |In<br />service
! rowspan="2" |Orders
! rowspan="2" |Fleet<br />numbers
! rowspan="2" |Routes<br />operated
! rowspan="2" |Built
! rowspan="2" |Years<br />operated
|- style="background:#f9f9f9;"
!&nbsp;mph&nbsp;
!&nbsp;km/h&nbsp;
!<abbr title="Seated">Std</abbr>
!<abbr title="Standing">Sdg</abbr>
!<abbr title="Wheelchair">W</abbr>
!Total
|-
|[[CAF Urbos|CAF Urbos 3]] 
|[[File:Edinburgh tram, 5 August 2014 (1).jpg|90px]] 
|[[Tram]]
|43
|70
|42.8
|78
|170
|2
|250
|27 
|&mdash;
|251-277
|All lines
|2010–2012
|2014–present
|-
!Total
!colspan="9" |
!27
!&mdash;
!colspan="4" |
|-
|}

====CAF Urbos 3====
{{Main|CAF Urbos 3 (Edinburgh)}}
A £40{{nbsp}}million contract to build 27 [[CAF Urbos 3 (Edinburgh)|Urbos 3]] trams, sufficient for phase 1a and (unbuilt) 1b lines, was awarded to [[Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles|CAF]]. When the line was cut back to York Place, only 17 trams would be needed.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.railnews.co.uk/news/metro/2011/03/24-surplus-edinburgh-trams-set-to.html |title = Surplus Edinburgh trams set to run in London instead |work = Railnews |date = 24 March 2011 |access-date = 17 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> An unsuccessful attempt was made in 2011 to lease ten trams to [[Transport for London]] for use on [[Tramlink]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/transport-environment/edinburgh-s-trams-are-on-track-for-croydon-1.1092784 |title = Edinburgh's trams are on track for&nbsp;... Croydon |date = 26 March 2011 |access-date = 21 April 2011 |work = The Herald |last = Henderson |first = Damien |language = en-GB}}</ref>

The trams are bi-directional, {{convert|42.8|m|ftin}} long and with [[low-floor]] [[accessibility|access]] to meet [[Disability Discrimination Act 2005|UK Rail Vehicle Access Regulations]] for disabled people.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://archive.org/details/LrApplrgTramFactsRebrandedEdinburgh |title = Tram Facts |work = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 12 January 2010 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.theguardian.com/edinburgh/2010/jun/23/edinburgh-trams-timeline-facts-tram-latest-transport |title = Edinburgh trams: The story so far |work = The Guardian |date = 24 June 2010 |access-date = 18 September 2013 |last1 = Hartley |first1 = Sarah |last2 = Stephen |first2 = Phyllis |language = en-GB}}</ref>

In April 2010, the first tram was delivered and displayed at the Princes Street stop at the bottom of [[The Mound]],<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/all-aboard-for-a-look-at-edinburgh-s-first-tram-1-801767 |title = All aboard for a look at Edinburgh's first tram |work = The Scotsman |date = 28 April 2010 |access-date = 18 September 2013 |language = en-GB}}</ref> before being moved to open storage in [[Broxburn, West Lothian|Broxburn]].<ref>{{cite news |title = Tram is carted off to Broxburn because Gogar depot not ready |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/tram-is-carted-off-to-broxburn-because-gogar-depot-not-ready-1-1313019 |work = The Scotsman |first = Chris |last = Marshall |date = 24 November 2010 |access-date = 20 April 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The 27th tram was delivered in December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.britishtramsonline.co.uk/news/?p=2719 |title = Final tram arrives in Edinburgh |work = British Trams Online News |date = 5 January 2013 |access-date = 7 January 2013 |last = Prior |first = Gareth |language = en-GB}}</ref> 
The trams have [[Wrap advertising|wrapped advertisements]] for promoting local events and commercial advertising.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://edinburghtrams.com/news/new-wrapped-tram-takes-to-the-tracks |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180113093339/https://edinburghtrams.com/news/new-wrapped-tram-takes-to-the-tracks |url-status = dead |archive-date = 13 January 2018 |title = New Wrapped Tram Takes To The Tracks |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 14 April 2019 |language = en-GB }}</ref>

==Fares and ticketing==

===Fare structure===
Ticketing and fares are integrated with [[Lothian Buses]]. A [[proof of payment]] system applies. The single fare within the city zone is the same as on Lothian Buses (£2, with effect from 1 April 2023); day tickets and Ridacards are equally valid on trams and buses. As an exception, the tram fare from the city zone to the airport is £7.50 one-way compared to £5.50 for the bus.<ref>{{cite web |title = Fares and Tickets Information |url = http://edinburghtrams.com/tickets/ticket-options |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 11 March 2018 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title = Fares & Tickets |url = https://www.lothianbuses.com/fares-and-tickets/ |publisher = Lothian Buses |access-date = 5 April 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

The "Ridacard" is a smartcard season ticket issued by Transport for Edinburgh; it is valid on both Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses (available for one week, four weeks or annually). On 1 September 2014, a rechargeable pre-paid smartcard for single journeys on both buses and trams, called "Citysmart", was introduced.

Free travel is available to holders of City of Edinburgh Council-issued [[Scottish National Entitlement Card]]s which are eligible for concessionary travel, and for a companion travelling with the cardholder of National Entitlement Cards with a companion entitlement. Passengers with National Entitlement Cards eligible for concessionary travel but issued by other local authorities are not offered any fare concession, with the exception of blind or visually impaired cardholders.<ref name="TicketingSCOTSMANAug13"/><ref>{{cite web |title = Scottish Concession Cards |url = http://edinburghtrams.com/tickets/scottish-concession-cards |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 3 July 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref name=TramGuide>{{cite web |title = A guide to your new tram service |url = http://edinburghtrams.com/uploads/general/Tram_information_leaflet_May_2014.pdf |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 6 July 2014 |archive-date = 3 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235923/http://edinburghtrams.com/uploads/general/Tram_information_leaflet_May_2014.pdf |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> This is due to the free travel for local residents being funded by the City Council rather than the government.

An "onboard fare" of £10 is charged to passengers who have not pre-purchased a ticket or validated either a Ridacard, a National Entitlement Card or an [[Mobile ticketing|m-ticket]] before boarding.<ref name=TramGuide/><ref>{{cite web |title = Tickets |url = http://edinburghtrams.com/tickets |publisher = Edinburgh Trams |access-date = 3 July 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Ticket machines===
[[File:Tram track at Haymarket, Edinburgh.JPG|thumb|upright|The segregated track begins in [[Haymarket, Edinburgh|Haymarket Yards]] (March 2014)]]
At the request of Lothian Buses, installation of 30{{nbsp}}ticket machines at key bus stops began in 2007. Passengers had to purchase tickets before boarding the bus, reducing dwell times,<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6034937.stm |title = On-street bus ticket machine plan |work = BBC News |date = 9 October 2006 |language = en-GB}}</ref> but the machines were not popular with users and were scrapped in 2011. Consideration was given to installing similar on-street ticket machines,<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/lost-track-ticket-machines-for-trams-to-be-reinstalled-1-1572553 |title = Lost track? Ticket machines for trams to be reinstalled |date = 5 April 2011 |first = Chris |last = Marshall |work = The Scotsman |access-date = 21 April 2011 |language = en-GB}}</ref> and new, advanced machines (capable of reading smartcards and accepting credit/debit cards) were installed in early 2014 at each tram stop. The new ticket machines are the Galexio-Plus type supplied by Flowbird Transport Ltd.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.railtechnologymagazine.com/Rail-News/edinburgh-tram-project-contracts-parkeon-transit |title = Edinburgh Tram project contracts Flowbird Transport Ltd |work = Rail Technology Magazine |date = 16 January 2013 |access-date = 4 November 2015 |language = en-GB}}</ref> Ticket machines do not accept banknotes or give change. The minimum spend for a card transaction was originally £3 which was more than the cost for a single ticket.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.edinburghtrams.info/tickets/ticket_vending_machines |publisher = Edinburgh Trams Club |title = Ticket Vending Machines |work = Edinburgh Tram Info |quote = a bank note reader is available but not in use in Edinburgh. Coins or cards (card min £3.00 spend) only. |access-date = 19 September 2017 |first = Chris |last = O'Brien |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170824040718/http://www.edinburghtrams.info/tickets/ticket_vending_machines |archive-date = 24 August 2017 |url-status = dead |language = en-GB}}</ref> The minimum spend was scrapped in September 2019, following complaints from customers and negative press comments.<ref>{{cite web |title = Fury as faulty Edinburgh tram ticket machines repaired nearly 1,500 times |url = https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/faulty-edinburgh-tram-ticket-machines-15773276 |website = edinburghlive.co.uk |date = 3 February 2019 |access-date = 17 June 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1 = David |first1 = Bol |title = Trams to stop minimum spend on card payments |url = https://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2019/09/trams-to-stop-minimum-spend-on-card-payments/ |publisher = The Edinburgh Reporter |date = September 2019 |access-date = 17 June 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

On 19 May 2025, Edinburgh trams introduced [[contactless payment]], with a 'tap on, tap off' (TOTO) scheme, to account for the more expensive airport zone. If passengers fail to tap off at a stop, they will be charged the full Airport Zone fare of £7.90. However, fares on both Lothian Buses and the trams have daily and weekly caps.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stephen |first=Phyllis |date=2025-05-19 |title=New way to pay on trams from today |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/05/new-way-to-pay-on-trams-from-today/ |access-date=2025-05-20 |website=The Edinburgh Reporter |language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Services==
Services run every seven minutes throughout the entire line, between St Andrew Square and [[Edinburgh Airport]]. On 7 June 2023, the services extended north from St Andrew Square to [[Newhaven, Edinburgh|Newhaven]], connecting Leith more quickly than bus services from the city centre, for the first time in almost 70{{nbsp}}years.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last1 = Hyde |first1 = Angus |last2 = Brown |first2 = Steven |date = 6 June 2023 |title = We raced an Edinburgh tram and Lothian bus to see which is faster on new route |url = https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/raced-edinburgh-tram-lothian-bus-27066113 |access-date = 7 June 2023 |website = edinburghlive.co.uk |language = en-GB}}</ref>

===Bicycle policy===
In May and June 2015, cyclists were allowed to board the trams with their bikes, during a trial period which was supported by cycle campaign groups [[Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign|Spokes]] and [[Pedal on Parliament]]. Following this, Edinburgh trams became the first modern tram network in the UK to permit the carriage of bikes on a permanent basis, with up to two bicycles being allowed per tram outwith peak hours (7.30{{nbsp}}am to 9.30{{nbsp}}am, and 4{{nbsp}}pm to 6.30{{nbsp}}pm) and excluding the period of the Edinburgh Festival and the Festival Fringe (usually {{frac|3|1|2}} weeks during August) and other large events.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-to-be-first-in-uk-to-allow-bikes-1-3816830 |title = Edinburgh trams to be first in UK to allow bikes |first = Paris |last = Gourtsoyannis |work = Edinburgh Evening News |date = 30 June 2015 |access-date = 4 November 2015 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=10366 |title = UK-first 'bikes on trams' policy snubs commuters |website = citycyclingedinburgh.info |date = 14 April 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

==Corporate affairs==
===Ownership and structure===
Edinburgh Trams Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary company of [[Transport for Edinburgh|Transport for Edinburgh Limited]]. By virtue of its controlling interest in the parent's equity capital, the [[City of Edinburgh Council]] is the ultimate controlling party.<ref name="2018 Report"/>

===Business trends===
The key trends for Edinburgh Trams Limited since it commenced operations in May 2014 are (years ending 31 December):
[[File:An Edinburgh tram (geograph 3970422).jpg|thumb|An Edinburgh tram, pictured in 2014]]
{| class="wikitable"  style="margin:1em auto;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! 
! 2014
! 2015
! 2016
! 2017
! 2018
! 2019
! 2020
! 2021
! 2022
!2023
|-
| Turnover ([[Pound sterling|£]]m)
| align=center|
| align=center|
| align=center|
| align=center|12.99
| align=center|15.81
| align=center|16.75
| align=center|5.19
| align=center|6.28
| align=center|13.60
|23.81
|-
| Operating profit (£m)
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;0.45}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;0.25}}
| align=center|0.25
| align=center|1.60
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;9.40}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;7.88}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;7.68}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;7.21}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;11.59}}
|{{color|red|&minus;10.62}}
|-
| Net profit after tax (£m)
| align=center|
| align=center|
| align=center|
| align=center|1.29
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;7.62}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;8.99}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;8.87}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;8.76}}
| align=center|{{color|red|&minus;10.89}}
|{{color|red|&minus;10.33}}
|-
| Number of employees (average)
| align=center|130
| align=center|
| align=center|
| align=center|163
| align=center|189
| align=center|210
| align=center|218
| align=center|207
| align=center|245
|292
|-
| Number of passengers (m)
| align=center|2.95
| align=center|5.20
| align=center|5.59
| align=center|6.67
| align=center|7.30
| align=center|7.45
| align=center|2.25
| align=center|2.59
| align=center|4.78
|9.18
|-
| Number of trams (at year end)
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
| align=center|27
|27
|-
| ''Notes/sources''
| align="center" |<ref name="2014 loss">{{cite news |title = Edinburgh Trams lost almost £450,000 in 2014|work = BBC News |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-33930819 |date = 14 August 2015 |access-date = 5 April 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref><br /><ref name="2018 Report"/>
| align="center" |<ref>{{cite web |title = Edinburgh Trams Limited |url = https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC451434/filing-history/MzE1MTk5NTAxNmFkaXF6a2N4/document?format=pdf&download=0 |publisher = Companies House |access-date = 14 May 2024 |language = en-GB}}</ref><br /><ref name="2018 Report"/>
| align="center" |<ref name="2018 Report"/>
| align="center" |<ref name="2018 Report"/>
| align="center" |<ref name="2018 Report">{{cite web |title = Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2018 |url = https://edinburghtrams.com/sites/default/files/2019-11/Annual_Report_2018_0.pdf |publisher  =  Edinburgh Trams |date = 26 April 2019 |access-date = 5 April 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center|<ref name="2019 Report">{{cite web |title = Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 |url = https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC451434/filing-history |publisher = Companies House |date = 24 April 2020 |access-date = 10 July 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center|<ref name="2020 Report">{{cite web |title = Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 |url = https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC451434/filing-history |publisher = Companies House |date = 28 June 2021 |access-date = 10 July 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center|<ref name="2021 Report">{{cite web |title = Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2021 |url = https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC451434/filing-history |publisher = Companies House |date = 10 August 2022 |access-date = 25 August 2022 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
| align=center|<ref name="2022 Report">{{cite web |title = Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022 |url = https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/SC451434/filing-history |publisher = Companies House |date = 22 June 2023 |access-date = 18 November 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
|<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-28 |title=Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2023 |url=https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/document-api-images-live.ch.gov.uk/docs/LE1B8omrKki0tDnkJ4FkNbE0yDMEaIVB37aEQl-4Sf8/application-pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAWRGBDBV3IU2GZ5WX%2F20241224%2Feu-west-2%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20241224T214333Z&X-Amz-Expires=60&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjECsaCWV1LXdlc3QtMiJGMEQCIDM%2FgmzxRFkbOVnVJMlhS28jLc8xaoswoHF4e%2FrE47I%2FAiArQEHPDVXTuViy%2BRgV0APhwDgmgWuGVbzXF9g5Cb87FyrEBQj0%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F8BEAUaDDQ0OTIyOTAzMjgyMiIMkzp0IeP8pf8DqzbyKpgFzpob4bMa43Xl%2FW7kt%2F1496oKkHSNjmnyWIIcV1ICpuZbgO16Oj0S3b87Y4rGQU0kneA2%2BdBKbk6RtsRd52BujaZY87zg0%2BJRxiVPOMimDp7aIql4%2FuDV0l3WgHg%2B%2FkCRngM82tOpk0p6OQg7C16r2wqw0QHN3%2FXOjEfUtGyUue%2Fb9%2BKh9SWrc%2FzK7ne%2B%2BDWFiiQJVPdfrTVFTfJyJ6P2Fj5bVHX2TWBbeHKaHA%2FqkWzI2hIuA1ulEfmHE6roALdvZDVruUFItpIWsgccoXAiQ2ToRgigROHdLodhebsiXZndMMz0U3lUmZLnT%2Fd8Rit%2FCLsyDnJmqDOinDOuX7F0KMCX93nE6t%2BtjHikXrfHLnTRIZ6kDBHT7CqXoXGpGm0DNypVOkLyORGXKjuhIBkaRIOwLML42H37CTT%2FNci4tBQsw3enuP5Z0aBpeQtVsUEUb7Sy6XkTxjz%2BSQ7scmNKgsNX%2B7Fc84WCxR%2BbGs4Myy2O9ogAqaEAMulSERCUAZiJeZhrBtmO9H5LqijTldRQMPzh9SthI8vQ7uxvZ6jMWU2XxqzQhz3GJiG97DN2%2FKMOCMLz7HAnuSHChHcEUCjQYsiOVwBmRFRLeSYKEwACOHeQNhOCxpr9hduipfcAAeqd16peXz9Zg9273ktJWvhTRAiQpHO0c9YcqeQ0mk6uIZ1umu%2B4ZPQfyTqsgx%2FYVCstZGVC3xoj8y2CrsDYH9%2FeWqckSqcYeWUSjsu%2BA9rxh75ubav162iO1pLAI7yiIEXNouGenXuybBS89sFqPqfQd3d9%2BZqQMzHPOW8WRMwpCi2B1FuemNh3ZF%2Fwl6ACzz6tqBtDCjTQHECSsrF15eY1o1iqxSsszamgL7AjnxmaGNrcxZ6t0Be4CDDPjqy7BjqyARnCS99b7hl4voTwW8Wg8Eqju22CXroeia8oLf%2FaRbLtxXlHHO9q1VRAt%2FLy8LZejTYyKyA7nIGX8i0BzndEbifQE82%2BYTC2MHan8oW%2FVLFeGYfLjo1Nin%2FvUeyrNsrsH146qoYtdmoFwv2jZdi034hs1kJOeXCc6B2IRDdjLCd6R5Za9ELgi%2BfMxKWM%2FFW195bL%2BnIAMVqHXuuQw2vvwbgSEzH5xCzTtgDmr%2BfsvdWx%2BtA%3D&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&response-content-disposition=inline%3Bfilename%3D%22companies_house_document.pdf%22&X-Amz-Signature=cccd745b0b4ce1ee4ff591ddca1f039e7efe41075185cfa28b010b1b0712186d |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Companies House}}</ref>
|}
Edinburgh Trams made a pre-tax profit of £252,000 for 2016, against a predicted loss of £170,000, which meant that profitability had been achieved two years ahead of schedule.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-make-a-profit-two-years-ahead-of-schedule-1-4489372 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170704081421/http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-trams-make-a-profit-two-years-ahead-of-schedule-1-4489372 |url-status = dead |archive-date = 4 July 2017 |title = Edinburgh trams make a profit two years ahead of schedule |date = 12 September 2017 |publisher = Edinburgh Evening News |access-date = 8 November 2019 |language = en-GB }}</ref> This was based on excluding maintenance and infrastructure costs. Including these, as has been done since 2018 when these costs were shifted to Edinburgh Trams, the small operating profit (£3{{nbsp}}million) has turned to a large operating loss (e.g. £9.4{{nbsp}}million in 2018).<ref name="2018 Report" /> It has not achieved an operating profit since full costing.<ref name="2018 Report" />

===Staffing===
Fifty-two [[Manual fare collection|ticket inspectors]] have been recruited to prevent [[fare dodging]]. Edinburgh Council is aiming for a 3% fare evasion rate, lower than any other tramway in Britain. Thirty-two drivers were employed, after passing psychological tests designed to eliminate risk-takers.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.scotsman.com/news/transport/edinburgh-tram-drivers-to-take-personality-tests-1-2991902 |title = Edinburgh tram drivers to take personality tests |date = 6 July 2013 |work = [[The Scotsman]] |access-date = 31 March 2014 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.edinburghchamber.co.uk/edinburgh-trams-launches-recruitment-drive-with-vacancies-for-up-to-20-ticket-inspectors-2/ |title = Edinburgh Trams Launches Recruitment Drive with Vacancies for up to 20 Ticket Inspectors |website = edinburghchamber.co.uk |date = 6 December 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
Frequent accidents involving cyclists and the tramway have been reported since the opening of the system in 2014. These are typically caused by bicycle wheels getting stuck in the rails or by bikes skidding on the rails.<ref>{{cite web |title = Tramlines: take care & take action |url = http://www.spokes.org.uk/2014/04/tramlines-take-care-take-action/ |publisher = Spokes The Lothian Cycle Campaign |access-date = 24 October 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref> A study published in 2018 found that, up to April 2016, 191 cyclists in Edinburgh had suffered tramway-related accidents serious enough to require hospital treatment.<ref>{{cite journal |last1 = Maempel |first1 = J. F. |last2 = Mackenzie |first2 = S. P. |last3 = Stirling |first3 = P. H. C. |last4 = McCann |first4 = C. |last5 = Oliver |first5 = C. W. |last6 = White |first6 = T. O. |title = Tram system related cycling injuries |journal = Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery |date = 1 May 2018 |volume = 138 |issue = 5 |pages = 643–650 |doi = 10.1007/s00402-018-2890-4 |pmid = 29368177 |s2cid = 3463874 |url = https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-018-2890-4 |language = en-GB |issn = 1434-3916 |hdl = 20.500.11820/3b0a55fb-5ecc-44bd-ad4d-2fca5f64edaf |hdl-access = free |url-access = subscription }}</ref> In September 2022, using [[Freedom of Information]] (FoI) data, the [[BBC]] reported that there had been 422{{nbsp}}accidents involving cyclists on the tram tracks, as a result of which 196 cyclists had made successful claims against Edinburgh City Council, resulting in nearly £1.3{{nbsp}}million being paid in damages.<ref>{{cite web |title = Cyclists paid £1.2m in Edinburgh tram line compensation |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-62969521 |work = BBC News |access-date = 21 September 2022 |date = 21 September 2022 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
Following a further FoI request in September 2024, it was reported there had been 112 collisions between trams and other road vehicles since 2014, as well as four collisions involving cyclists (not including incidents involving cyclists and trams tracks).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mair |first1=George |title=More than 100 tram collisions in Edinburgh in a decade |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2024/09/more-than-100-tram-collisions-in-edinburgh-in-a-decade/ |access-date=12 September 2024 |work=The Edinburgh Reporter |date=10 September 2024}}</ref>

Noteworthy accidents include:
* On 29 August 2014, a bus and tram collided in the West End of Edinburgh, causing severe traffic congestion.<ref>{{Cite news |date = 29 August 2014 |title = Traffic chaos as Edinburgh tram collides with bus |work = The Herald |url = https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13177293.traffic-chaos-edinburgh-tram-collides-bus/ |access-date = 14 March 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* On 31 May 2017, a medical student was killed in Princes Street when she fell into the path of a minibus after her bike wheels may have become stuck in the tram rails.<ref name = "en17" /> However, the exact cause of her fall is not known.<ref>{{cite news |title = Zhi Min Soh's Family win Civil Case |url = https://www.cyclelawscotland.co.uk/article/zhi-min-sohs-family-win-civil-case |access-date = 26 May 2023 |publisher = Cycle Law Scotland |date = 9 July 2020 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* On 13 June 2018, a bus and tram collided near Edinburgh Airport, seriously injuring the bus driver.<ref>{{Cite news |date = 14 June 2018 |title = Driver critical after Edinburgh Airport bus and tram crash |work = BBC News |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-44485529 |access-date = 23 November 2021 |language = en-GB}}</ref>
* On 11 September 2018, a pedestrian was killed by a tram on a crossing near Saughton tram stop. The [[Rail Accident Investigation Branch]] determined that the tram's warning bell was not loud enough, and that Edinburgh Trams should better monitor risks at crossings.<ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/tram-bosses-told-make-horns-16643358 |title = Tram bosses told to make horns louder and improve crossing signs after man dies |last = Mitchell |first = Hilary |date = 25 July 2019 |website = edinburghlive.co.uk |access-date = 9 November 2019 |language = en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url = https://www.gov.uk/raib-reports/report-09-2019-fatal-collision-between-a-tram-and-a-pedestrian-near-saughton-tram-stop-edinburgh-11-september-2018 |title = Report 09/2019: Fatal Collision between a Tram and a Pedestrian, near Saughton Tram Stop, Edinburgh, 11 September 2018 |website = GOV.UK |access-date = 8 November 2019 |language = en-GB}}</ref> The tram company was subsequently fined £240,000 for breaches of health and safety regulations.<ref>{{cite news |title = Trams firm fined £240,000 over pedestrian death |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-66604510 |access-date = 19 April 2024 |work = BBC News |date = 24 August 2023 |language = en-GB}}</ref> In May 2025, a [[fatal accident inquiry]] at the [[Edinburgh Sheriff Court]] ruled that steps could have been taken by the tram operators that might have prevented the accident. These included ensuring that warning bells on trams were loud enough to be heard above the background noise, improving the design and layout of the crossing to make it more obvious to pedestrians that they were in an area of higher risk, and providing additional signs to warn tram drivers of the last emergency braking point before this type of crossing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Carlos Hernan Correa Palacio |url=https://www.scotcourts.gov.uk/fatal-accident-inquiries/fatal-accident-inquiries-and-determinations/#/?tab=determinations&sheriffdom=Lothian+and+Borders&keyword=Carlos+Correa+Palacio |website=Fatal accident inquiries and determinations |publisher=Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service |access-date=14 May 2025 |language=en |date=7 May 2025}}</ref> The tram company has since replaced the horns on Edinburgh trams and have redesigned the crossing where the accident occurred.<ref>{{cite news |title=Man killed after Edinburgh tram horn was too quiet - inquiry |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy7pwwez27o |access-date=14 May 2025 |work=BBC News |date=13 May 2025}}</ref>
* On 7 November 2025, a 66 year old man was admitted to hospital after becoming trapped under a tram at the junction between [[Constitution Street]] and Queen Charlotte Street.<ref>https://www.scotsman.com/news/leith-street-closed-after-reports-of-someone-underneath-tram-5393247</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|Scotland}}
{{Div col}}
* [[Edinburgh Airport Rail Link]]
* [[Light Rail Transit Association]]
* [[List of Tramways in Scotland]]
* [[Proposals for new tram lines in Edinburgh]]
* [[Edinburgh Tram Inquiry]]
* [[Scottish Tramway and Transport Society]]
* [[Transport in Edinburgh]]
{{div col end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite magazine|title=Edinburgh Trams takes over first section of city route|magazine=The Railway Magazine|pages=95|issue=1345|volume=159|date=May 2013|location=Horncastle|publisher=Mortons Media Group|issn=0033-8923|oclc=750645684}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{Attached KML|display=title,inline}}
* {{official website|https://www.edinburghtrams.com}}
* [https://www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/docs/central/2007/nr_070620_edin_transport_project.pdf Auditor Generals Report on Tram Scheme] June 2007
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070210144711/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/tram-one-bill/index.htm Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Bill Committee]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070210144721/http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/committees/tram-two-bill/index.htm Edinburgh Tram (Line Two) Bill Committee]
* [https://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2006/20060007.htm Edinburgh Tram (Line One) Act 2006]
* [https://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2006/20060006.htm Edinburgh Tram (Line Two) Act 2006]

{{Rail transport in Edinburgh|state=collapsed}}
{{Transport in Edinburgh}}{{Transport in Scotland}}{{UK light rail}}
{{UK light rail vehicles}}

{{Airport rail links in the United Kingdom}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Edinburgh Trams| ]]
[[Category:Airport rail links in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Light rail in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Public inquiries in Scotland]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 2014]]
[[Category:Tram transport in Scotland]]
[[Category:Transport in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:2014 establishments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Controversies in Scotland]]
[[Category:750 V DC railway electrification]]
[[Category:Electric railways in the United Kingdom]]