31.

Update:  March 2006

Parliamentary Committee approve Trams

After two years' consideration, and listening to many objections, Members of the Scottish Parliament's Edinburgh Trams (Line One) Committee have now approved the route proposed  by Edinburgh Council.

The line will use the Roseburn corridor, rather than pass directly past the Western General Hospital.  A shuttle bus service will be provided to from the tram route to the hospital.

The Parliamentary Committee expressed disappointment that funding problems had resulted in shelving part of the proposed route and said that it was "essential" for the section from Haymarket to Granton (coloured yellow on the map below) to be built as soon as possible.

The committee ruled that construction work should not take place on Saturday afternoons in order to lessen disruption to shoppers and traders.  The trams are now scheduled to be operational by July 2010, but might the shorter hours for construction result in further delays?

Please click on the map below to enlarge it.

All MSPs will vote on the Bills for the two tram lines later in March 2006.  They will be recommended by their Parliamentary Committees to vote in favour of the routes proposed by Edinburgh Council, even though it will not be possible to  build these routes in their entirety, initially.

Edinburgh Evening News  March 1, 2006,  p.2

32

Update:  March 2006

Parliamentary Vote

The Scottish Parliament debated Tramline 2, the line to Edinburgh Airport, on March 22.. 

David Letchie, former Tory Leader  and Kenny MacAskill, Scottish National MSP questioned the business case for the line, but Sarah Boyack, Central Edinburgh MSP and former Transport Minister spoke out strongly in favour of the line.

MSPs voted 88 to 20 in favour of the Bill for the tramline to go ahead.

They are due to debate Tramline 1 next week, on March 29, 2006.

Edinburgh Evening News  March 23 2006,  p.8

33.

Update:  March 2006

Funding and Delay

After studying a detailed audit of all the Scottish Executive's major transport commitments, Tavish Scott, Transport Minister in the Scottish Parliament has confirmed the parliament's support for these projects.

He confirmed that the Scottish Parliament had agreed that funding for the trams will be increased to take account of inflation, so increasing the Scottish Executive's contribution from £375m to £450-500m for the tram line from Edinburgh Airport to Ocean Terminal. (I thought the funding would have been for the line from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven.)

However, he now estimates that the new tram system will not be operational until early 2011.  The previous estimate was July 2010.

Other Edinburgh Transport Proposals

Tavish Scott also gave these estimates for other transport proposals:

-   Rail Link to Edinburgh Airport  -  now expected to open in 2011
(1 year later than expected).

-   Waverley Line to the Borders  -  now expected to re-open in 2011
 (3 years later than expected).

-   Waverley Station improvements, phase 1:  expected 2007 (on time).

Edinburgh Evening News  March 16, 2006,  p.11

34.

Update:  March 2006

Initial Spending

TIE say that by Autumn 2006 between £50m and £60m will have been spent on the Tramline proposals, including £23.5m on consultant fees.

Despite the Scottish Parliament having given their approval, concern over costs continues to be expressed in the columns of the Edinburgh Evening News.  Yellow ribbons have been tied to trees in the Roseburn Corridor as a mark of protest.

Timetable

The timetable, now, at March 2006 is:

Edinburgh Evening News  March 30, 2006,  pp.6-7

35.

Update:  May 2006

Trams Boss leaves

It was announced on May 9 that Ian Kendall, Head of the Edinburgh Trams project, has had his contract terminated amid fears that there may be further delays in the scheme and that TIE may miss the Autumn 2006 deadline for presenting a business case to the Ministers of the Scottish Parliament.

Ian Kendall is an Australian who has managed previous team bids including Manchester, Leeds and the London borough of Croydon.  He was never formerly employed by TIE but had a contract with TIE in the name of his own management company.

TIE Chief Executive, Michael Howell has now taken temporary control of the project.  He claims that the project is still on schedule to meet the 2010 deadline for operation.

Edinburgh Evening News  May, 2006

Ian Kendall has been replaced by Andie Harper, a former director of London Underground who saw the completion of the London Underground's Jubilee Line.

However, Ian Kendall is also being retained by TIE as a private consultant for at least the next 3 to 6 months.

Edinburgh Evening News  May 25, 2006:  p.9

Edinburgh Evening News  June 14, 2006,  pp.1-2

36.

Update:  June 2006

Chairman leaves

A second high profile departure from TIE has been announced.

Michael Howard, Chief Executive of TIE is to leave in July 2006 and to move to London to become Chairman of the City & Guilds of London Institute.

Willie Gallagher, who was appointed TIE Chairman in early June 06, is to take on most of Michael Howard's duties.

The TIE project has continued to have problems, missed deadlines and technical design problems, but Michael Howell claims: "Things are in good shape."

Edinburgh Evening News  June 14, 2006,  pp.1-2

Two further departures from TIE have been announced.  Project Director, Alex Macauley, is expected to leave and Assistant Project Director, Willie Fraser has resigned for personal reasons.

However, Edinburgh Council leader, Donald Anderson, remained optimistic saying: "I am very confident TIE and the council are in a much better position to deliver the project than ever before."

Edinburgh Evening News  June 16, 2006,  p.6

New Chairman's Comments

Shortly after taking up his appointment as TIE Chairman, Willie Gallagher spoke to the Edinburgh Evening News:

Here are some extracts from Willie Gallagher comments to the News:

- TIMESCALE:  "We will make that deadline (June 2010).  There's a lot of key events to hit in the next few months"

- ROUTE CUTBACKS:  "What we have now is a sensible route, the characteristics of which support the wider rail transport network.  It operates where you have high volumes of people wanting to move to parts of the city to work or visit."

-  POSSIBLE FURTHER ROUTE CUTS:  "At this point we are going with the route that everyone is aware of.  If there are parts of the system where the costs don't recognise the benefits, then that would have to be looked at.

Truthfully, I don't see the Airport to Newbridge section happening.  We are gung ho about all the rest and are pushing hard."

Will we ever build a Newbridge link or a link between Granton and Leith?  I think, no because if we had the money to do it, then there are other bits - such as the Western General Hospital link that we would do first."

Edinburgh Evening News  June 23, 2006:  pp18-19

37.

Update:  September 2006

Construction Delays

Work to remove gas pipes and water mains along the routes of the trams was expected to begin in January 2006 but has now been put back until at least March or April 2007, due to delays in drawing up contracts.

There is concern that the work may be delayed until after the Local Council Elections in May 2007.  Digging up roads would be likely to result in disruption and congestion, which would be unpopular with voters.

TIE confirmed that the first trams are now expected to carry passengers in 2011, with the first trams being tested from early 2010 onwards.

Edinburgh Evening News: Sep 29, 2006, p5  AND  Herald & Post, October 5, 2006,  p9

38.

Update:  September 2006

Advertising Campaign

TIE has launched a £100,000 advertising campaign to "win the hearts and minds" of the Edinburgh public.  There will be advertising in newspapers, on the radio and on buses and bus shelters with the message:

"It's Time For Trams."

Edinburgh Evening News: Sep 29, 2006, p5

39.

Update:  November 2006

Business Case

Edinburgh Transport Forum is to host a public meeting on trams on November 29, 2006.

A business case is being developed for the trams, to be voted on by the City of Edinburgh Council on December 22, 2006, then submitted to the Scottish Parliament for approval of  funding.

By Christmas 2006, it is expected that £62m will already have been spent on the proposals for Tram Lines One and Two.

The design detail for the project will not become available until January 2007 at the earliest.

Edinburgh Evening News  November 28, 2006,  p12

40.

Update:  November 2006

Project Director leaves

After only six months in his position as Project Director, Andie Harper, formerly of London Underground, has decided not to renew his contract with TIE, for personal reasons - difficulty in commuting between Warrington and Edinburgh

He will be the 4th senior person to have left the project this year.

-  May 9,  2006:   Ian Kendall, Project chief.

-  Jun, 2006:        Michael Howell, Chief Executive.

-  Dec 22, 2006:  Andie Harper, Project chief.

Edinburgh Evening News  November 29, 2006,  p5

41.

Update:  December 2006

Tram Line 3  -  Guided Busway

Tram Line 3, from the City Centre to Newcraighall, via Cameron Toll and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary at Little France was shelved indefinitely when the Council's proposals for congestion charges were defeated in the referendum of April 2005.

However, the Council has now announced a feasibility study into a guided busway along the land already safeguarded for Tramline 3 between Cameron Toll and the ERI.  This could be the first step towards the council long-term wish to create Tram Line 3.

The feasibility study is not likely to be completed before 2008.

Edinburgh Evening News  November 29, 2006,  p5

42.

Update:  December 2006

Charities support Tram Lines

Eleven  charities and conservation organisations have now come out in support of trams for Edinburgh, and are encouraging Edinburgh Councillors to vote in favour of the proposals on December 21, 2006

They favour trams on the grounds that they will be less polluting and better for the environment than buses.

The organisations concerned are:

-  Capability Scotland

-  The Cockburn Association

-  Friends of the Earth Scotland

-  National Trust for Scotland

-  RSPB, Scotland

-  Scottish Association for Public Transport

-  Scottish Environment LINK

-  Stop Climate Chaos

-  TRANSform Scotland

-  Voluntary Health Scotland

-  WWF Scotland

Edinburgh Evening News  December 16, 2006,  p2

43.

Update:  December 2006

Compensation to Shops

Following lengthy negotiations between TIE and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, it has been announced that shops that see their profits fall as a result of disruption caused by preparations for Edinburgh's trams, will be given cuts of up to 80% in their business rates.

Edinburgh Evening News  December 20, 2006,  p19.

44.

Update:  December 2006

Businesses support Tram Lines

Seventeen organisations including some of Scotland's largest businesses have signed a letter to be sent to all councillors, urging them to back the proposals for new tram lines at their meeting on December 21, 2006.

The organisations include:

-  Standard Life

-  Scottish Widows

-  Marks & Spencer

-  Oracle

-  Edinburgh Airport

-  Forth Ports Authority

-  Edinburgh International Conference Centre

-  Edinburgh University

-  Heriot Watt University

-  Telford College

It is expected that:

-  Tram Line 1, from Leith to Edinburgh Airport will open in December 2020

-  Tram Line 2 to Edinburgh Waterfront will open one year later.

Edinburgh Evening News  December 19, 2006,  p17

45.

Update:  December 2006

Council Votes 'Yes'

Edinburgh Councillors at their Meeting on December 21 overwhelmingly  supported the  business case to  be submitted to the Scottish Parliament in favour of re-introducing trams to Edinburgh.

Only one councillor, Deputy Lord Provost Steve Cardownie (Nationalist) voted against the proposals.  Kate Mackenzie (Conservative) abstained.

Edinburgh Evening News  December 22, 2006,  p5

46.

Update:  January 2007

New Appointment

Matthew Crosse has been appointed to take charge of the Edinburgh trams project, replacing Andrew Harper who left in 2006.

Matthew Cross is founder of independent management consultancy 'Strategic Lines' based in Derbyshire, and has worked on several tram schemes in the UK including Nottingham, Croydon and Midland Metro.

Edinburgh Evening News  January 16, 2007:  p.9

47.

Update:  March 2007

Draft Business Case Approved

The Scottish Executive has its given its approval in principle to the draft business plan for Edinburgh's trams.  A final business case will be assessed in the autumn

It has also been confirmed that those over age 60 and the disabled will be able to travel free on the trams.

Work to Begin

Work will to begin on diverting the water, gas and electricity pipes away from the proposed tram route.  The first street to be dug up, as a trial site, will be Tower Place, Leith, beginning on April 2, 2007.  Work on this section of the line will stop over the Easter holidays and should be completed by mid-May 2007.

City Leader, Ewen Aitken said:

"We've been talking about and preparing for trams for years.  But now is the time to make it a reality and actually start work on the ground.

I promised that we wouldn't let the small matter of an election get in the way of this important project and we've delivered on that."

It is estimated that the tram line between Leith and Edinburgh Airport will be completed by Christmas 2010.

Edinburgh Evening News  March 16, 2007:  p.2
Edinburgh Evening News  March 31, 2007:  p.6
 

48.

Update:  April 2007

Lack of Support

Local and Scottish Parliament elections are due to be held on May 3, 2007.

Ahead of these elections, Mike Graham of radio station 'Talk 107' hosted a pre-election debate before an all-ticket audience of 250.

The 'Evening News' reported that transport issues were high on the agenda.

 Labour, Lib Dem, Tory and Green  politicians all spoke in favour of the trams; SNP's Steve Cardownie was a lone voice in opposition.  However,  in the audience, less than a third of those present supported the proposed tram scheme.

Edinburgh Evening News  April 18, 2007:  pp.10-11

49.

Update:  April 2007

Tunnel Problems

The 'Evening News' reported that the extent of the network of tunnels beneath the roads between Leith and Haymarket has taken engineers by surprise. 

These tunnels about 3 ft wide, 6 ft high, were built to enable mechanics to service the cables that hauled cable cars through the streets of Edinburgh.  Cable cars operated in Edinburgh between 1888 and 1923.in the early 1900s.

Edinburgh Evening News  April 19, 2007:  p.9

50.

Update:  May 2007

Scottish Parliament Elections

The Scottish National Party emerged as the leading party with 47 seats, but not an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament elections held on May 3, 2007.

The number of MSP (Members of the Scottish Parliament elected at this election and at the first Scottish Parliament election held in 2003 was:

SNP oppose the Trams Proposals

Scottish National Party MSP, Kenny MacAskill, said, on May 9:

"Our opposition to the trams is absolute.  ...  We are determined that trams go because, locally, they are not wanted and, nationally, we world rather the money is spent on other schemes."

Politicians from the Labour, Lib Dem, Tory parties and the Chamber of Commerce were all quoted in the Evening News expressing their opposition to the SNP's stance.

Edinburgh Evening News  May 9, 2007:  pp.1,7

51.

Edinburgh City Council Elections

The number of councillors in Edinburgh City Council, following the elections held on May 3, 2007 is now:

Edinburgh Council will continue to support Trams Proposals

Twenty three years of Labour power in Edinburgh ended today when it was announced that:

- the SNP and Liberal Democrats have formed a coalition to run Edinburgh City Council.  (Together they hold 29 of Edinburgh's 58 seats.)

-  the Tories have pledged not to oppose the election of a Lib Dem Lord Provost next week.  (The Lord Provost holds the casting vote.)

The Liberal Democrats say that, despite the SNP view on trams, they (the Liberal Democrats) will continue to support Edinburgh's tram proposals.

Schemes more likely to hit problems under the new regime are proposals to sell off the Meadowbank Sports Centre and granting of approval of the proposed Caltongate development in Waverley valley.

Edinburgh Evening News  May 11, 2007:  pp.1,8,9.

52.

Update:  May 2007

Work Interrupted

The £60m roadworks to divert utility cables and pipes from under the route of the trams began before Easter.  It stopped, as planned, during the Easter holiday period, but is now not expected to begin again until July 2007.

However, a spokesman for TIE claimed that the work is still on schedule and pointed out that off-street work, including construction of the new tram depot at Gogar is continuing.

Meanwhile, politicians in other parties are considering the approach likely to be taken by the Scottish Parliament as First Minister, SNP Leader, Alex Salmond continues to oppose trams for Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Evening News  May 25, 2007, p.9

53.

Update:  May 2007

Pressure on SNP to Support Trams

Business leaders,  MSPs from all opposition parties, and City of Edinburgh councillors all made appeals to SNP leader, Alex Salmond, today, to change his mind and support Edinburgh's proposals for trams.

Labour, Liberal Democrat and Tory parties joined forces to force an amendment in the Scottish Parliament, demanding that the trams project "should not be arbitrarily delayed or cancelled" but this did not have the desired effect.  The SNP accepted the amendment, claiming that any delay or cancellation would not be arbitrary!

A survey by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, which represents 1,700 companies in Edinburgh  found that 75% of the businesses are still in favour of trams for Edinburgh.

Charles Hammond, Chief Executive of Forth Ports Authority said:

 "Economically, socially and environmentally, the tram  is absolutely pivotal to the regeneration of North Edinburgh"

Other business leaders spoke in favour of the trams.  Some of Edinburgh's major businesses have come together to place adverts in The Scotsman and The Evening News, setting out the arguments in favour of trams.

Edinburgh Evening News  May 30, 2007, p.13 (survey)

Edinburgh Evening News  May 31, 2007, pp.6-7 (other news)

54.

Update:  June 2007

SNP Suggest Alternatives to Trams

Alex Salmond, First Minister and SNP Leader has promised that a full review of Edinburgh's tram scheme is to be presented to Parliament.  The review is to be carried out by Audit Scotland, who will review the process used to assess costs and risks of the project.  The review is due to be completed  by June 20, 2007.

Expressing the views of the SNP, he said he favoured:

-  guided bus lanes on much of the tram route

-  initiatives to use hybrid fuels

-  improved ticketing

-  installation of real-time information on all bus stops

-  better park-and-ride sites.

A guided but route to Edinburgh Airport was planned in the 1990s, but abandoned in 2001.

Independent Lothians MSP, Margo MacDonald says she will consider tabling a motion of no-confidence in Mr Salmond if he ignores the will of parliament over trams.

Edinburgh Evening News,  June 6 2007, p.2 (The Review)

Edinburgh Evening News,  June 1,  2007, p.2 (other topics)

55.

Update:  June 2007

Building Work Continues

Despite the SNP's declared intention to scrap two major transport systems for Edinburgh  -  the trams and the rail link to Edinburgh Airport  -  building work for the to create a new £3m tram depot to the north of Gogar roundabout is continuing.

TIE say that £79m has already been spent on the trams project, and the total cost would b e £114m if it were abandoned.

The Scotsman, June 4, 2007:  pp1,4,5

56.

Update:  June 2007

Edinburgh Councillors' Views

Following the elections held in May 2007, power in Edinburgh's Council rests with the SNP / Liberal Democrats coalition.

Jenny Dawe is the leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, and also council leader.  The Liberal Democrats are in favour of trams for Edinburgh.

Steve Cardownie is the leader of the SNP on the council, also deputy council leader.  The SNP are opposed to trams for Edinburgh.  Steve Cardonie suggests that there should be a referendum on the subject.

The SNP and Liberal Democrats know each other's views on trams.  They say that they have not found the need to discuss the subject since their coalition on the council was formed in May 2007.

The Scotsman, June 4, 2007:  pp1,4,5

57.

Update:  June 2007

Audit Report

"The Scheme is Sound"

The headline in Edinburgh Evening News on June 20, 2007, referring to Edinburgh's tram proposals read:

 "Get on with it!"

The paper announced that the report by Audit Scotland to the Scottish Parliament, had been published today and had concluded:

-  Edinburgh's trams are likely to arrive on time, early 2011, and on budget.

-  Edinburgh Airport Rail Link is unlikely to meet its target date of 2011.

The SNP have declared that they will continue to oppose both the trams and the rail link.  However, opposition parties have all declared their support for the trams, so if the opposition parties unite at next week's vote in the Scottish Parliament they are likely to defeat the SNP and so allow the trams to go ahead.

Edinburgh Evening News, June 20, 2007:  pp.1,5

58.

Update:  June 2007

Business and Educational Support

Two days ahead of the vote in the Scottish Parliament, leading Edinburgh businesses and educational institutions have declared their support for the trams.

Those declaring their support include:

-  Edinburgh University

-  Telford College

-  Standard Life

-  Edinburgh Principal Hotel Association

-  Harvey Nichols.

Others have declined to comment.  Notably:

-  Royal Bank of Scotland

-  Bank of Scotland

Edinburgh Evening News, June 25, 2007:  page 7

59.

Update:  June 2007

'Yes Vote' in Scottish Parliament

MSPs voted in favour of pressing ahead with Edinburgh's trams, voting in favour of the scheme, 81 votes to 47.

Following this vote, the Scottish Executive declared that they would support the scheme, but they would not foot the bill for any extra cash, should it be needed.

Metro, June 28, 2007:  page 9

60.

Update:  July 2007

Engineering Work to Begin

Engineering work, diverting electricity, gas and water supplies before the tram tracks are laid, will begin at Ocean Drive, Leith Docks, next week.

Metro, July 2, 2007:  p.10

Proposed Work

Willie Gallagher, Chairman of TIE has announced that in preparation for the trams:

-   Engineering work will begin in Leith Walk on August 6, 2007.

-   Engineering work will begin in Princes Street in October, 2007.

-   Pavements on Princes Street are to be narrowed.

-  Leith Walk will be reduced to one lane of traffic each way with the trams running down the middle of the street.

-   Many of the parking spaces along the route will be removed.

-   The Sherlock Holmes statue in Picardy Place is to be moved.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 24, 2007:  pp.1,6,7

Timetable

Today, TIE  announces a full timetable for work over the next 18 months.

The preferred bidders for the vehicles and line building are due to be announced in September 2007.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 24, 2007:  pp.6-7

61.

Update:  July 2007

Station Names

Transport Edinburgh Ltd (the firm that will operate the city's trams and buses) has revealed a new map of the route, with station names.  Some of the stations have been re-named:

Edinburgh Evening News, July 24, 2007:  pp.6-7

62.

Update:  July 2007

A Strong Case for Line 3

Willie Gallagher, TIE Chairman said that the case for Line 3, a line to the New Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and possibly on to Portobello and Musselburgh, was still strong and that city leaders should start planning for this now.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 24, 2007:  pp.6-7

63.

Update:  July 2007

Street Closures for Cars

It is proposed that, in order to accommodate the trams:

-   Shandwick Place will be open only to trams, buses and taxis.

-   Constitution Street, Leith, will be open only to trams.

TIE will release a final design of the tram route in August 2007.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 24, 2007:  pp.6-7

64.

Update:  July 2007

Ticket Machines

Ticket machines are now being installed on the pavements at selected points  mainly in the city centre.  More will be installed early 2008.

The machines can be used from mid-August 2007 onwards to buy tickets for buses but will be adapted when the trams arrive to sell both bus and tram tickets.  There will be no facilities to buy tickets on board the trams.

Both trams and buses are likely to be branded under the same name and to be in the same colours.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 24, 2007:  pp.6-7

65.

Update:  August 2007

More Utility Pipes Found

Workers have dug trial holes before preparing to move the utility pipes from under Leith Walk.  Despite a four-month scanning and mapping survey having been carried out in 2006, the workers have found three times the number of pipes that they expected.

TIE say that they had been prepared for this discovery and that it will not delay the introduction of trams ot Edinburgh.

Schedule of Work

The schedule for work on re-routing the cables is:

-  August / September '07:  Leith Walk

-  October '07:  Princes Street

-  November '07:  Haymarket

-  December '07:  Edinburgh Park

Edinburgh Evening News, August 27, 2007:  p.4

Edinburgh Evening News, August 30, 2007:  p.17

66.

Update:  September 2007

Edinburgh's Trams

The first images of how Edinburgh's trams will look were released today.  The proposed livery matches the new livery for Lothian Buses -  a red and yellow harlequin pattern on white:

©

There will be 27 trams, each able to carry 250 passengers at up to 49mph.  They are to be built by the Spanish firm, CAF - the company that supplied the trains for the London Heathrow Express.

Tickets and Inspectors

Passengers will buy tickets from roadside machines before boarding the tram, or pay a penalty fare on board. 

There will be inspectors on all tram journeys, to act as a point of contact for passengers and to check tickets,

There will be remote controlled partitions to close off parts of the trams at quieter times.

Edinburgh Evening News, September 20, 2007: pp.1, 7

67.

Updates:  October 2007

Business Case

The new Business Case for Edinburgh's trams has been prepared.  It estimates that the trams will be delivered on time with the service operating from February 25, 2011.

The total cost is estimated to  be £498m  -  £47m less than the £545m available (£500m from the Scottish Government and £45m from Edinburgh Council).

This raises hopes that it will be possible to also build phase 1b, from Haymarket to Granton by the end of 2012.  A decision on phase 1b will be made in 2009.

The business case estimates that the cost of building phases 1a and 1b will be £585m, down £7m from the previous official estimate.  It is expected that 11m passengers will use the trams in their first year.

Edinburgh Evening News, October 18, 2007:  p.5

Tram Routes

The best way to accommodate trams cars and cycles in Leith Walk is still under discussion.  It is proposed that trams will run down the centre of the street and that the roundabout at the top of Leith Walk will be replaced by a T-junction.  It is also proposed that:

-  The pavement on the south side of Princes Street will be narrowed.

-  Shandwick Place will be only open to trams and buses

-  Constitution Street, Leith, will be partially closed

-  Torphichen Street will be re-opened to traffic in both directions

Final designs for the tram route are due to be published, early 2008.

Edinburgh Evening News, October 19, 2007:  p.6

68.

Updates:  November 2007

Leith Walk Clock

The clock that stands in the roundabout at the junction of Leith Walk and London Road was removed this week to enable the roundabout to be converted to a 'T-junction' to make way for the new tram route.

The clock has been put into storage and will be replaced somewhere in the area, its exact position not yet decided, once the tram line is complete.

The 1857* clock was previously located at the West End of Princes Street, beside what is now Fraser's store, but it has been in its present position for the past 40 years.

* A later article in the Evening News (Dec 15, 2007: p3) gives a date of 1897 for the clock.

Edinburgh Evening News, November 19, 2007: p.3.

69.

Updates:  November 2007

Sherlock Holmes Statue

The Sherlock Homes Statue, a short distance away, in Picardy Place, close to the top of Broughton Street is also to be removed.  This will be to make way for a tram / bus interchange.

Edinburgh Evening News, November 19, 2007: p.3.

70.

Updates:  January 2008

Road Closures

Roads affected by  the preparation work for Edinburgh's trams include:

-  Shandwick Place:  to be closed for 5 months from mid-Feb 2008

-  Princes Street to be reduced temporarily to one lane in each directions.

-  St Andrew Square.

All work should be completed in time for the Edinburgh Festival in August 2008.

Edinburgh Evening News, January 9, 2008:  pp.1,11.

UPDATE:  Shandwick Place was closed from early-March 2008.  The diversions worked well.

This was followed later in the year by major diversions around Leith Walk and at Haymarket.

71.

Updates:  January 2008

Monuments to Move?

It may become necessary to move the large statues of George IV and William Pitt from the centre of George Street, in order to allow buses and other traffic, diverted from Princes Street,  to flow more smoothly along George Street.

The statues have been in their present positions since 1922 and 1833 respectively.

Edinburgh Evening News, January 9, 2008:  pp.1,11.

UPDATE:  The diversions are now in place.  It was not necessary to move the statues.

72.

Updates:  March 2008

Fixed Price for Line 1b to Granton

TIE has secured a fixed price of £87m to build tram line 1b, between Roseburn and Granton, provided it can commit to the project by Spring 2009.

If TIE do not take up this option, it will have to pay a penalty fee of £3.2m.

TIE has put a project team together to consider the funding of this line, and hopes that the line will be open by the end of 2012.

Edinburgh Evening News, March 13, 2008:  p.5..

UPDATE:  Funding of line 1b has been dependent of TIE's £96m contingency fund remaining available.  However, the Evening News reported on April 22, 2008, that the strength of the euro against the pound had resulted in a £30m loss for the project, that would have to be met from the contingency fund.

73.

Updates:  March 2008

Caledonian Ale House - demolition

Caledonian Ale House at Haymarket, built in 1862 and known as the Haymarket Station Bar until 1995, was compulsory purchased two years ago. It is to be demolished next month to make way for the new tram line.

Edinburgh Evening News, March 15, 2008:  p.9.

74.

Updates:  August 2008

Bus Subsidy for Trams?

A confidential report has been leaked to the Evening News, revealing that one way being considered to provide the additional £55m needed to build line 1b from Roseburn to Granton is subsidy from Lothian Buses.

Senior councillors have opposed this idea, and Lothian Buses chief executive, Neil Renilson, has said "I can categorically confirm that [we have] no plans to increase bus fares to generate funds for the construction of the tram."

An Edinburgh council spokesman has confirmed that selling the council's shareholding in Lothian Buses is not an option, but has refused to rule out a "fare levy" to help to meet the cost of the trams project.

Edinburgh Evening News, August 25, 2008:  pp.1,5

UPDATE:  The Evening News announced on March 20, 2009, that from 2011 onwards, Lothian Buses (which would then become part of Transport Edinburgh  Ltd) would have to hand over £5m pa to offset losses on the tram line in its first few years of operation.

75.

Updates:  September 2008

Leith Walk

The first tram tracks are due to be laid in Leith Walk in January 2009.  The pavements are to be made narrower, to give a wider road with tram tracks running up the middle of the road.

TIE said: "We hope this phase of the project will be better received by people because they will actually see something being built."

This follows months of problems for businesses in Leith Walk and Constitution Street, who have seen falls in trade as a result of the tram works and have been compensated with up to £4,000 each and a 20% reduction in rateable values for most shops.  Around two-thirds of TIE's £2m allocated to paying compensation has already been handed out.

Edinburgh Evening News, September 18, 2008:  p.7.
Edinburgh Evening News, September 19, 2008:  p.12.

UPDATE 1:  The Evening News reported on January 20, 2009, that the first length of track is now expected to be laid in Princes Street in April, rather than in Leith Walk in January.  A TIE spokesman said that its resources had been allocated to other parts of the route following a negotiated works embargo on Leith Walk over the festive period.

TIE insisted that their work was still on schedule and that they intended to have a full tram service running by July 2011.

UPDATE 1:  Phil Wheeler announced, in early March 2009, that tracks would not now be laid in Leith Walk until early-Autumn, 2009.

76.

Updates:  October 2008

Princes Street - closed

Traffic in the centre of Edinburgh ground to a halt for up to an hour on the first day that Princes Street was closed to traffic between Hanover Street and Frederick Street..

Following crisis talks between the council,  Lothian Buses and TIE, buses are to be allowed back onto Princes Street westbound and possibly also eastbound from today, until a working solution can be found.

Edinburgh Evening News, October 2, 2008:  p.4.

UPDATE:  Another attempt will be made, with effect from Sunday October 5, to close the section of Princes Street between Hanover Street and Frederick Street.  Traffic light sequences have been changed and it is hoped that traffic will flow more smoothly this time.

77.

Updates:  October 2008

Trams to Gorebridge?

TIE have proposed that the northern section of the proposed Borders Rail link should be operated by trams rather than trains.

Edinburgh Evening News, October 2, 2008:  p.4.

UPDATE:  Another attempt will be made, with effect from Sunday October 5, to close the section of Princes Street between Hanover Street and Frederick Street.  Traffic light sequences have been changed and it is hoped that traffic will flow more smoothly this time.

78.

Updates:  November 2008

Tram Boss departs

Willie Gallagher, who was appointed executive chairman of TIE in June 2006, has announced that he will be leaving TIE for family reasons.

This announcement comes after recent problems with road diversions in the centre of Edinburgh, and some slippage of the tram timetable, particularly for the tram depot at Gogar.  However, TIE say that the problems can be resolved within the current budget.

This follows the announcement, last month, that Neil Renilson, chief executive of Lothian Buses and Transport Edinburgh Ltd, the company that will operate both trams and buses in Edinburgh, is to retire early at the start of 2009.

Edinburgh Evening News, November 13, 2008:  p.1.
Edinburgh Evening News, November 14, 2008:  pp.4,5.
.

UPDATE:  Another attempt will be made, with effect from Sunday October 5, to close the section of Princes Street between Hanover Street and Frederick Street.  Traffic light sequences have been changed and it is hoped that traffic will flow more smoothly this time.

79.

Updates:  November 2008

Line to Granton - not to go ahead?

Edinburgh council insists that no final decision has yet been made on whether or not Line 1b from Roseburn to Granton is to go ahead.   But sources close to the project believe that there will not be sufficient cash available to fund it.

The pace of developments at Granton and on the Waterfront has slowed down as a result of the economic climate, so it would not be surprising if it was decided not to proceed with Line 1b at present.  This line could be built later, but a better business case might be made for building Line 3 to which would run to the SE to the new Edinburgh Royal Infirmary

TIE had anticipated receiving £25m towards the trams from developers with projects close to the line but, to date, only £3m has been received.

Edinburgh Evening News, November 13, 2008:  p.1.
Edinburgh Evening News, November 14, 2008:  pp.4,5.
.

UPDATE (February 20, 2009):  The project has an overall funding pot of £545m (including £96m which is regarded as a contingency reserve).  The total cost of the project is now estimated to be £512m, but in addition contractors are demanding a further £50m to 80m before they start work on Princes Street.  TIE are refusing to pay this additional amount.

£500m of the £545m total has been provided by Transport Scotland.  Edinburgh Council had hoped to raise the balance through developers' contributions and land sales.

UPDATE (April 24, 2009):  Edinburgh Council announced today that the Roseburn to Granton line had been officially shelved, following the property market downturn. Council leader, Jenny Dawe, said "We will revisit this as soon as the economic situation improves." but it is not expected that the line will be resurrected within the next few years.

80.

Updates:  December 2008

Princes Street  and Mound - closed

Princes Street may be closed to traffic for eight months in 2009 - from February to November, with a break for the Festival in August, to allow the track to be laid.

The Mound is due to close again from January 17, 2009, to allow utility work to be carried out before the tram lines are laid in Princes Street in March 2009.

Edinburgh Evening News, December 11, 2008:  p.5.

UPDATE:  xxx

81.

Updates:  February 2009

Contractors demand £50m to £80m

Just as traffic diversions are being implemented to take traffic off Princes Street, to allow tram work to proceed, the tram project consortium BSG has demanded an additional £50 to £80m before they begin work on Princes Street.  TIE have refused to pay, so the Princes Street work will not begin on schedule.

However, it is now too late to cancel this week's diversions, so they will go ahead, while TIE and the contractors continue to negotiate terms.

The BSC consortium comprises the firms:

-   Bilfinger Berger

-  Siemens

-  CAF.

If the dispute cannot be resolved, transport chiefs are considering finding a replacement for the German firm, Bilfinger Berger, but if parts of the project need to be put out to tender again, it is feared that this could put back the whole project by up to a year.

Edinburgh Evening News, February 20, 2009:  pp.4, 5.

Edinburgh Evening News, February 21, 2009:  p.4.

UPDATE 1:  It was reported on February 25, 2009, that officials had demanded immediate action from Bilfinger Berger, and had threatened to sue the company if it failed to comply.

UPDATE 2:  There have been some calls for the whole tram project to be abandoned, in the light of the current dispute, but this is not thought to be a viable option.

To date£215m has been spent on the project.  If the whole project were to be abandoned at this stage, it is believed that a further £100m of costs would be incurred.

UPDATE 3:  On March 6, 2009, The Evening News reported that in view of the still unresolved problems in Princes Street, it might be necessary to delay the opening of the tram line to the east of Haymarket and begin with a line that ran between the Airport and Haymarket.

UPDATE 4:  On March 13, 2009, it was announced that if the dispute with Bilfinger Berger was not resolved within the next six days, arbiters would be called in.

UPDATE 5:  There have been some calls for the whole tram project to be abandoned, in the light of the current dispute, but this is not thought to be a viable option.

To date£215m has been spent on the project.  If the whole project were to be abandoned at this stage, it is believed that a further £100m of costs would be incurred.

UPDATE 6:  The amount demanded by Bilfinger Berger was subsequently reported to be about £20m - considerably less than the £50m to £80m originally reported.

The dispute with Bilfinger Berger has been resolved in a last-minute deal negotiated on March 20, 2009.   Work on the project in Princes Street can now resume. 

However, Bilfinger Berger claims that there are still around 100 other issues to be resolved, and that these are likely to push up costs.

82.

 Updates:  February 2009

Model Tram

A full size model tram has been set up outside Jenners in Princes Street.  It will be staffed and open to visitors for the next seven weeks, daily from 11am to 4pm.

Edinburgh Evening News, February 23, 2009:  p.2.

UPDATE (June 14, 2009):  By March 12, 41,000 people had visited the model tram in  Princes Street.  Its stay there was extended.  It was then moved to Constitution Street, Leith.  Now, it is standing outside the main entrance to Ocean Terminal at Leith Docks.

83.

 Updates:  February 2009

Critics' Comments

An article in the Evening News contrasted the official views, expressed by TIE and critics' comments.

TIE claims that the tram project is still on schedule and on budget.  Critics claim that it may end up to two years late and £250m over budget.

Critics say that:

-  a large water main under the site of the proposed tram depot at Gogar had not been spotted on the initial survey, and that there had been a delay of several months as TIE and Scottish Water work out how best to move it.

-  there have been delays in the utility work being carried out at Haymarket, particularly moving another water main.  Work is also behind schedule in building a viaduct to bring the trams up to street level at Haymarket.

-  utility work in Princes Street should have been completed in 2008, but is still ongoing.  Further delays may result if a turning table at the foot of Lothian Road, used by the previous tram system has to be dug up.

-   there has been a delay in laying the first track in Leith Walk.  It was due to be laid in January 2009, but the Leith Business Association does not expect to see it laid until June 2009, two years after the tram work in Leith Walk began.

Edinburgh Evening News, February 23, 2009:  p.2.

84.

 Updates:  March 2009

Dispute Resolved

The dispute with Bilfinger Berger has been resolved.

It is understood that only ten days' delay has resulted from the dispute, so it is now expected that the street can be re-opened for the duration of the summer and winter festivals.

Edinburgh Evening News, March 23, 2009:  p.2.

UPDATE:  It was announced on May 6, 2009, that Princes Street will, in fact, remain closed to  traffic during the Edinburgh Festival in August 2009.  This should enable the street to be opened again by early November, in time for Christmas and Hogmanay visitors.

Historic Scotland is looking at the possibility of Holyrood Park being used for the Festival Cavalcade in 2009.

85.

 Updates:  April 2009

TIE  -  New Chief Executive

Richard Jeffrey, a former managing director of Edinburgh Airport and the current president of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce , is to take up the post of chief executive of TIE next month.

Richard Jeffrey is currently working with international investment advisory business, Babcock and Brown

Edinburgh Evening News, April 2, 2009:  p.2.

86.

Updates:  April 2009

Princes Street - to be pedestrianised?

The transport diversions to cope with the temporary closure of Princes Street to all traffic have led the council to consider whether it might be a good idea to permanently ban:

-  all traffic except trams and cycles from Princes Street, or perhaps

-  all traffic from George Street.

Princes Street Traders' Association favours the pedestrianisation of Princes Street.  George Street Association favours the pedestrianisation of George Street.

Edinburgh Evening News, April 15, 2009:  p.8.

87.

Updates:  June 2009

Nine-Month Delay

The Evening News reports that work to create the new Gogar tram depot at Gogar, which is on the critical path for the tram project, is currently running 9 months behind schedule.

Problems include a huge water main that runs through the site and delays by Transport Scotland in reaching a final decision on plans for a new railway station at Gogar.

So, if nothing can be done to catch up, the Edinburgh trams are now not expected to start operating until Spring 2012, and are very unlikely to be delivered within their £545m budget.

Edinburgh Evening News, June 20, 2009:  p.1 and other pages

88.

 Updates:  June 2009

Princes Street unlikely to be Pedestrianised

In his first interview after taking over as the city's transport leader, Gordon Mackenzie announced that it would put too much pressure on George Street in the long term if buses and taxis were to continue to use George Street and Princes Street were to be pedestrianised.

He reported that there had also been concern amongst the traders in both George Street and Princes Street about the possible pedestrianisation of Princes Street.

Edinburgh Evening News, June 24, 2009:  p.7

89.

 Updates:  July 2009

Two Years behind Schedule

John Carson, former head of Miller Civil Engineering claims that work at Gogar depot is not 9 months behind schedule as TIE had claimed last month, but now 2 years behind schedule.

He believed that completion date for the tram project was likely to be "closer to 2014 than 2012" and that the total cost of the project could be closer to £1bn than £545m.

TIE responded, saying that John Carson had taken information out of context, and that it was expected that the delay to the project as a whole  would be only a matter of months.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 3, 2009:  p.6

90.

 Updates:  July 2009

Sherlock Holmes Statue Moved

The Sherlock Holmes statue has been removed from Picardy Place to allow a tram stop to be built there.  The statue will be put back nearby when the work is completed.

Contractors were surprised to find a stainless steel time capsule beneath the statue.  The statue was erected in 1991 by the Federation of Master Builders to mark their 50th year.   Members of the federation who know the contents of the time capsule have vowed not to reveal the details.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 8, 2009:  p.6

91.

 Updates:  July 2009

Railway Station at Gogar

Network Rail has submitted plans for a new station to be built at Gogar, at an expected cost of £34-37mtrain.  This would allow rail passengers to transfer to the trams for Edinburgh Airport.

Network Rail are to hold exhibitions and consultation of their proposed plans for Gogar.  The exhibitions will be at the Gyle Shopping Centre on July 29 and August 14.

Edinburgh Evening News, July 20, 2009:  p.13

92.

 Updates:  August 2009

Pedestrianisation Later

The result of a feasibility study into the possible pedestrianisation of Princes Street are awaited.

Marshall Poulton, the council's head of transport said that one of the options being looked at was the pedestrianisation of parts of George Street and Princes Street, but no such measures would be brought in until at least a year after the trams were up and running.

Edinburgh Evening News, August 12, 2009, p.13

93.

 Updates:  August 2009

Over Budget and Late

TIE admitted, for the firs time today, that the tram project may not com in within its £545m budget., and said that it might now be 2013 before trams start running.

The final cost is not known.  A senior council source said that there were around 400 outstanding disputes with contractor Bilfinger Berger.  One source estimated that the council might have to meet a shortfall of £90m.

Edinburgh Evening News, August 14, 2009, pp.10-11

94.

 Updates:  September 2009

Trams due to be delivered  -  to Croydon!

Edinburgh's first trams are due to be delivered in spring 2010, but the Gogar depot will not be ready to accept them, and there is likely to be no track to test them on, so TIE is currently discussing sending the trams, first, to the London borough of Croydon.

TIE chiefs added that they will be taking delivery of the 27 trams ordered for lines 1a and 1b, despite the second route being dropped.  "The extra vehicles will ensure more regular services", they said.

Edinburgh Evening News, September 8 2009, pp.1,5

95.

 Updates:  October  2009

Over £550m  -  but running in  2012?

Costs for the tram project now seem almost certain to exceed £550m.  TIE has estimated that the total cost will be £524.5m PLUS whatever whatever TIE has to pay out to the contractors that it is currently in dispute with..  However, the bill could soar as Bilfinger Berger are believed to be looking for a further £80-100m for the project.

However, Richard Jeffrey, TIE Chief Executive said that 2012 was "a realistic and achievable date for completion".

Edinburgh Evening News, October 1, 2009, p.5

96.

 Updates:  October  2009

Tunnel Unearthed

Tram workers have unearthed a section of  a disused underground tunnel constructed around 1821, under Princes Street near the foot of the Mound.

The tunnel. The Crawley Tunnel, used to carry a water supply from the Meadows to the foot of the Mound and possibly on to Scotland Street.

TIE have been working closely with John Lawson, curator for archaeology for the city.  They say that the discovery of the tunnel will not result in any adverse impact on their programme.

Edinburgh Evening News, October 17, 2009, p.6

97.

 Updates:  November  2009

New Appointments

It has been announced that:

-  Richard Jeffrey, Chief Executive of the tram firm TIE, is to be appointed Chief Executive of the company that is to be responsible for Edinburgh's trams and buses, Transport Edinburgh Ltd (TEL).  He will also join the Board of TEL.

(Lothian Buses and TIE are due to merge by 2012 to form TEL.)

-  TIE Board Member David Mackay will become a Board member of TEL, and on January 1, 2020, he will become the new Chairman of Lothian Buses.

-  Ian Craig, Managing Director of Lothian Buses is to join the Board  of TEL.

Edinburgh Evening News, November 27, 2009, p.5

98.

 Updates:  November  2009

Princes Street Opens to Traffic Again

After having been closed to traffic for nine months, and following recent hectic activity by contractors in Princes Street over the past few days, TIE handed back Princes Street to the city at 7.30a on  Sunday November 29, just two hours later than scheduled.

Tracks have now been laid from the south of Waverley Bridge to South Charlotte Street,.  Buses, taxis and cycles have now begun to use Princes Street again.

There will now be no more major tram works in the city until January 4, 2010 - when work will re-commence on Leith Walk.

Edinburgh Evening News, November 30, 2009, p.5

99.

 Updates:  November  2009

Cycling on Princes Street

There have been complaints that the removal of a cycle lane from Princes Street, together with the cobbles and tramlines to contend with, have resulted in dangers for cyclists.

One cyclist posted footage of his crash on You Tube, after pedalling along Princes Street with a camera mounted on his handle bars.

Edinburgh Evening News, November 30, 2009, p.5
 

100.

 Updates:  December  2009

Tram Line 3

Tram Line 3 is now being discussed again.  This is the line from the East End of Princes Street, via Cameron Toll and the Royal Infirmary to Newcraighall.

This is one of the lines that was originally proposed, then shelved following the 'No' vote on the council's proposed congestion charges in 2005.

The council believe that this line would be important in attracting companies to become established in the new 'BioQuarter beside the Royal Infirmary at Little France.

This line does not yet have approval from the Scottish Government, and it is unlikely that any funding could become available before 2012.

 Edinburgh Evening News, December 10, 2009, pp. 8-9

101.

 Updates:  December  2009

Cycling on Princes Street

Complaints from cyclists about the re-opened Princes Street are continuing.  One cyclist wrote a letter to the Evening News, beginning:

 "Cycling east along Princes Street for the first time since work had finished, I soon realised how terrifying he new tram lines are.  All it would take is a momentary lapse of concentration and I'd have plunged into the gaping groove, wrecked my bike and found myself under the wheels of a bus."

 Edinburgh Evening News, December 17, 2009, p.16

102.

 Updates:  December  2009

Cycling on Princes Street

Danny Callaghan wrote:

"On Saturday I crossed over Princes Street which has now been open to buses & taxis for 3 weeks and noticed that the tarmac alongside the tram lines is breaking up already.   

So there will be more than just tram lines for our cyclist friends to contend with  -  great big pot holes.

I would suggest to our cycling friend they should not have any momentary lapses of concentration while cycling on any road, as cars, buses and lorries are very hard and are likely to damage more than their bike."

Danny Callaghan:  Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland:  December 21, 2009

Update

Others have also noticed that the road surface broke away from the tram lines, almost immediately after the tram lines were laid, especially near the foot of the Mound.

The contractors say this has happened because there was heavy rain in the days leading up to the re-opening of Princes Street, so the laid the new road surface without including the sealant between the surface and the rails.  They are going to go back and fix the problem.

Peter Stubbs:  December 21, 2009

103.

 Updates:  December  2009

Road Works  -  Shandwick Place

"It has been announced that Shandwick Place, a busy shopping street leading to the west from the West End of Princes Street, is to close on January 4, 2010 and is expected to remain closed until mid-2011.

Traders have expressed disappointment at the length of this closure. They had previously been told that the road would open again at the end of 2010."

There is also uncertainty as to whether or not the track-laying work will go ahead on schedule, as TIE is currently in dispute with its contractor over this part of the route.

During these road works, eastbound traffic will be diverted along Manor Place and Melville Street.  Buses heading west will use the Western Approach Road and Morrison Street.

Edinburgh Evening News:  December 22, 2009