New figures released today (January, 5) show Edinburgh’s tram system is continuing to deliver excellent results.
Customer journeys increased by more than one million to total 6.6 million for the year. This represented a year on year growth of 19 per cent.
Lea Harrison, Manager Director at Edinburgh Trams, said:
“I am delighted to see that the efforts of the team to deliver a fast, frequent and reliable service are continuing to prove popular with residents and visitors to the city alike.
“We have achieved some significant improvements in 2017 and have been recognised internationally as a world class operator. However, our focus is now very much on the years ahead and what we can do to sustain performance and where possible, do even better.”
One of the reasons for success is linked to a new timetable which was launched at the beginning of last year to increase capacity, improve frequency and reduce journey times. The new service sees trams running from every seven minutes and connecting Edinburgh’s airport with the City Centre in under 35 minutes. Trials are now underway to double frequency at peak periods to keep up with the rising demand.
George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh, added:
“The tramway in Edinburgh not only connects Edinburgh Airport to the heart of the City Centre but it has also established itself as an integral part of Edinburgh’s transport network.
“These results are very encouraging as tram plays an increasingly important role in the future growth and prosperity of Edinburgh and the Lothians.”
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council and Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, said:
“These figures are hugely encouraging and all the team at Edinburgh Trams are to be congratulated for their sterling work.
“Trams have now become established as a much-valued part of our growing and successful public transport service in Edinburgh. Seeing them go from strength to strength is a very positive aspect of our planning for the Edinburgh of tomorrow.”
The results follows an announcement that Edinburgh Trams returned a pre-tax operating profit of £252,000 in 2016 against a forecast pre-tax loss. With latest figures showing greater patronage growth, this year’s pre-tax profit announcement is expected to be considerably higher.