Edinburgh Tram developments

[InOban]

The run-on section after the Newhaven stop is between a busy road and some expensive flats. I expect there's Cc TV, although if there are trams on both tracks some ne'erdowells could sneak between them to tag the hidden sides.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Not ideal then - surely more sensible to run trams "light" from the depot early in the morning - what would be the "light" time from the depot to Newhaven I wonder?

This has to be the option taken up. Given the fact the 16 and 200 start quite early perhaps a few earlier runs could start from one of the stops where there’s crossovers? I’d suggest first from Newhaven around 04:45, and that would probably need to leave Gogar around 04:00? But like I suggested part route trams could be a useful idea too?

Stabling trams there will result in damage to them. It’s a ridiculous idea.

 

[zwk500]

The run-on section after the Newhaven stop is between a busy road and some expensive flats. I expect there's Cc TV, although if there are trams on both tracks some ne'erdowells could sneak between them to tag the hidden sides.

I doubt Graffiti taggers will be worried about the CCTV cameras at all. They know they'll be long gone before any security arrives, that the cameras won't be able to identify them very well and that the Police won't have time to worry about them.

 

[Elwyn]

Those trams are each worth a very large sum of money. They are not going to be left in the open overnight, unsupervised. Graffiti is only part of the risk. They could be completely vandalized if not supervised, and overnight security would be expensive. In my opinion, the first services each day will come from Gogar depot and run down to Newhaven. Perhaps in service, perhaps not, depends on whether there would be any traffic. Probably a 40 minute run.

 

[DDB]

My tramstop in Nottingham has a siding with storage space for one tram. It isn't usually used but when there are works restricting access to the depot a tram does spend the night but it has a temporary security guard all night. Edinburgh might be doing similar.

 

[MCR247]

My tramstop in Nottingham has a siding with storage space for one tram. It isn't usually used but when there are works restricting access to the depot a tram does spend the night but it has a temporary security guard all night. Edinburgh might be doing similar.

Also useful if one fails in the middle of service it can be put out of the way there

 

[Mal]

Also useful if one fails in the middle of service it can be put out of the way there

Does anyone think that if the last tram from Newhaven went part-route to Haymarket and stopped overnight at Haymarket siding, it would be secure?

 

[Elwyn]

Does anyone think that if the last tram from Newhaven went part-route to Haymarket and stopped overnight at Haymarket siding, it would be secure?

No.

 

[duncanp]

My tramstop in Nottingham has a siding with storage space for one tram. It isn't usually used but when there are works restricting access to the depot a tram does spend the night but it has a temporary security guard all night. Edinburgh might be doing similar.

It is one thing to have a security guard when a tram is stabled outside overnight temporarily, it is quite another thing to do that on a permanent basis.

I think it will depend on what time the first tram from Newhaven is.

The tram will then have to leave the existing depot sufficiently early to get there in time.

Whether it does so in service or out of service is what will have to be decided.

 

[MCR247]

Usually makes sense to run them in service, shouldn’t add too much time at that time of the day

 

[duncanp]

Usually makes sense to run them in service, shouldn’t add too much time at that time of the day

As I said earlier this is what happens in the West Midlands, and a by product of this is that places like West Bromwich get a first tram into Birmingham at 04:39, whereas the first tram to run full route from Wolverhampton doesn't arrive until 05:39.

I suppose what happens in Edinburgh will depend on whether there is a significant time saving in running out of service from the depot to Newhaven versus running in service, or whether running trams from the depot to Newhaven at 04:30 is profitable or not.

 

[MCR247]

As I said earlier this is what happens in the West Midlands, and a by product of this is that places like West Bromwich get a first tram into Birmingham at 04:39, whereas the first tram to run full route from Wolverhampton doesn't arrive until 05:39.

I suppose what happens in Edinburgh will depend on whether there is a significant time saving in running out of service from the depot to Newhaven versus running in service, or whether running trams from the depot to Newhaven at 04:30 is profitable or not.

The same happens in Nottingham. Wilkinson St is on the north side of the system so the first trams out are the ones heading down to Clifton and Toton, with the last trams at night being Clifton and Toton ones making their way back to the depot

 

[och aye]

There were initially plans for a fenced off stabling area on Forth Ports land north of Melrose Drive. This was however replaced with a stabling area beyond the tram stop. I don’t believe there will be any fencing or security other than CCTV. I wouldn’t be surprised if a tram was tagged before long if they’re going to be kept in the open overnight like that.

Trams being tagged will be the least of the problems. I know that area well and wouldn't be surprised to see the windows being tanned in, regardless of CCTV camera surveillance!

 

[duncanp]

In London, trams run in service from the depot at Therapia Lane to the outer ends of each line so that the first full route services start from each terminus between 05:00 and 05:30.

I couldn't imagine them stabling a tram overnight at New Addington for example, as it would suffer the same fate as one stabled overnight at Newhaven.

 

[InOban]

The latest newsletter states that the extension will be energised next week.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

The latest newsletter states that the extension will be energised next week.

Looks like it will be. Apparently trams running short (Airport to West End) for just under a week.

From Edinburgh Trams’ website

Changes to tram services for overhead line connection works​

Fri, 03/02/2023 - 09:58
There will be changes to tram services next month with the connection of the new overhead power lines on the Trams to Newhaven project to the existing network.
To enable this essential work to be completed as quickly and safely as possible, trams from the airport will be running as far as West End stop for one week between Monday, February 13, and Sunday, February 19 (inclusive). There are no changes to the tram timetable or frequency.
Alternative arrangements have been put in place enabling visitors and local residents to complete their journey, with Lothian Buses accepting tram tickets, Ridacards, and valid Concessionary cards for onward travel to Princes Street and St Andrew Square on the following services:

• 3, 31, 33 between Shandwick Place and the Scott Monument.
• 4, 25, 26, 44 between Shandwick Place and Waverley Steps.
• Airlink 100 only at South St David Street toward the airport.

Customers should note that tram tickets will not be accepted on Airlink services at Edinburgh Airport toward the city centre.
Edinburgh Trams’ Managing Director Lea Harrison commented:
We are aware that this temporary suspension of services to St Andrew Square and Princes Street stops may cause inconvenience to some customers, and we would like to apologise in advance for this unavoidable disruption to our usual services.

However, these works are required to ensure we can commence intensive testing on the new line at the earliest possible date.

 

[InOban]

According to the Edinburgh evening news, officials have confirmed that it will be open by June 21st, the last day of meteorological spring! I don't know why it should take so long.

 

[duncanp]

According to the Edinburgh evening news, officials have confirmed that it will be open by June 21st, the last day of meteorological spring! I don't know why it should take so long.

They are saying by June 21st, which means it could be open sooner.

A lot will depend on the outcome of the commissioning and testing.

Commissioning and testing for the Edgbaston extension in Birmingham commenced on 5th April last year, and the extension opened for passenger service on 17th July.

But that three month delay was partly due to issues with the trams (cracks in the bodywork) which are not an issue in Edinburgh.

I would guess on the extension in Edinburgh opening sometime in April or early May.

 

[JamboCommuter]

Excellent news that we're almost there with this. I suspect they are hedging their bets a bit, quoting 21st June as the start date. They will want it up and running before then if humanly possible.

Granton spur next would make sense as I believe there is already approval for that part of the proposed north/south line. I assume they would seek to complete the small section between Granton to Newhaven giving a northern circle.

Anywhere south of Princes Street I think will take much, much longer especially if they intend using North Bridge.

Any chance the Granton spur could be linked to the South Suburban line (Sub) to run round towards Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Bio Quarter? Probably not technically feasible but would probably provide a much faster end to end journey than going via Princes Street and North Bridge. Seems such a shame we get no real commuter transport benefit from the Sub from heavy rail when it could join up so many north/south link by tram.

 

[waverley47]

Excellent news that we're almost there with this. I suspect they are hedging their bets a bit, quoting 21st June as the start date. They will want it up and running before then if humanly possible.

Granton spur next would make sense as I believe there is already approval for that part of the proposed north/south line. I assume they would seek to complete the small section between Granton to Newhaven giving a northern circle.

Anywhere south of Princes Street I think will take much, much longer especially if they intend using North Bridge.

Any chance the Granton spur could be linked to the South Suburban line (Sub) to run round towards Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and the Bio Quarter? Probably not technically feasible but would probably provide a much faster end to end journey than going via Princes Street and North Bridge. Seems such a shame we get no real commuter transport benefit from the Sub from heavy rail when it could join up so many north/south link by tram.

The sub isn't going to happen.

This has been done to death. Please see this thread (https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/edinburgh-south-sub-feasibility-study.236261/#post-5818425) for many of the reasons as to why the sub is basically unusable for trams or passenger workings.

 

[Willie Bee]

I understand the trams are operated by the same company which runs the buses.

Does that mean I can hop on /off the buses and/or the trams and pay a single-capped fare, using my UK contactless card ... like in London

I'll be visiting Edinburgh with my wife for a few days in March

 

[Siemens Trains]

I understand the trams are operated by the same company which runs the buses.

Does that mean I can hop on /off the buses and/or the trams and pay a single-capped fare, using my UK contactless card ... like in London

I'll be visiting Edinburgh with my wife for a few days in March

I believe the capping isn't fully integrated between bus and team yet. But if you buy a paper day ticket on a Lothian Group bus it's valid on trams too. Subject to certain area and time restrictions depending how much you pay. You can see full details on their websites.
However a network ticket for £10 will get you anywhere on anything at anytime. If you can afford a holiday in Edinburgh I assume £10 won't be a lot to ask.

 

[Willie Bee]

I believe the capping isn't fully integrated between bus and team yet. But if you buy a paper day ticket on a Lothian Group bus it's valid on trams too. Subject to certain area and time restrictions depending how much you pay. You can see full details on their websites.
However a network ticket for £10 will get you anywhere on anything at anytime. If you can afford a holiday in Edinburgh I assume £10 won't be a lot to ask.

Thank you for your reply.

I see, there's an adult day ticket at £4.50 for travel on the buses and trams (city centre only) which as you say, is available on a Lothian bus, as well as from the tram stop ticket machines. It seems the contactless capping system is only for the buses at this stage ... a bit annoying, but no doubt it'll change eventually

 

[gavin1985]

Thank you for your reply.

I see, there's an adult day ticket at £4.50 for travel on the buses and trams (city centre only) which as you say, is available on a Lothian bus, as well as from the tram stop ticket machines. It seems the contactless capping system is only for the buses at this stage ... a bit annoying, but no doubt it'll change eventually

There was installation of new "contactless" scanning machines at tram stops last year, just now for the ridacards. However I wouldn't be shocked if this was how the tap tap cap was used for the Trams and probably with a aim of being live for the Newheaven opening.

 

[computerSaysNo]

city centre only

You can use the paper £4.50 day ticket on anywhere shown on the white background on the Lothian Network Map (so the area bounded by Ingliston P&R (services 200 400 TRAM only), Heriot-Watt Uni, Balerno, Penicuik, Rosewell, Gorebridge, Mayfield, Tranent, Seton Sands.

 

[gavin1985]

You can use the paper £4.50 day ticket on anywhere shown on the white background on the Lothian Network Map (so the area bounded by Ingliston P&R (services 200 400 TRAM only), Heriot-Watt Uni, Balerno, Penicuik, Rosewell, Gorebridge, Mayfield, Tranent, Seton Sands.

Also the same day ticket on the M-Ticket app, if you want to help save some paper

 

[InOban]

https://twitter.com/TramstoNewhaven/status/1625566071431258112?t=DROmgzK8DQ8RWdrdRaM66A&s=19

Two-way traffic has returned to the length of Leith Walk this evening. You can review the TRO here: https://*******.com/yrkz55a6 There will be ongoing localised works. Thank you for your patience.

The full length of Leith Walk finally reopened this evening

They have tweeted this evening that work to link the OHLEs at Picardy Place is now complete. Trams, which have been terminating at the West End, will run to St Andrews Square from tomorrow.

https://twitter.com/EdinburghTrams/status/1626949063160606721?t=3gWTtNkF_bxR1Y0G5Phw1g&s=19

Good news! The overhead line works have progressed well and final testing is taking place later today. Services will then be restored along the full route to St Andrew square from first thing on Sunday morning.

 

[och aye]

New photos from the latest newsletter.

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/downloads/file/691/17-february-2023-project-newsletter-pdf-

 

[InOban]

The newsletter did suggest that testing using an empty tram would start before the end of the month, which is rapidly approaching...

 

[Willie Bee]

What date is the proposed first tram running to Leith ?

I read somewhere it was going to be spring 2023, but that's a little vague