Five million journeys made on Edinburgh Trams in first year

Latest figures reveal approximately 4.92 million passenger journeys were made on Edinburgh Trams during the first year of operation.

Alice Farmer, Edinburgh Trams employee, Councillor Lesley Hinds, Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, Tom Norris, Director and General Manager of Edinburgh Trams and Craig Scotland, Edinburgh Trams employee.

Edinburgh Trams officially launched on 31^st May 2014. Since then nearly 5 million journeys have been made – 370,000 ahead of its original target. Concessionary card holders accounted for 10.9 percent of passengers which is in line with the Council’s budget set to ensure that Edinburgh’s card holders receive free travel on the tram; with this in mind, revenue will still surpass targets by 3 percent.

Edinburgh Trams currently has a fleet of 27 traveling 14km stopping at 15 points along the route. This will soon be increased to 16 once the Edinburgh Gateway is complete.

Passenger Focus recorded a 95 percent satisfaction rate on Edinburgh Trams with 99 percent service reliability.

Tom Norris, Director and General Manager of Edinburgh Trams, commented on the latest figures: “The first birthday is a very exciting day for all of us because it rounds up a hugely significant year for everyone involved. We’ve beaten our targets and we’re on the right path. The success we’ve worked so hard to achieve is down to the commitment and hard work of everyone involved in delivering the service day in day out.

“We were absolutely delighted with the initial surge of interest when we launched, but even more grateful that the local and visiting public have continued to give us their support.

“We have developed the service over the first year and we’ll continue to improve and adapt to keep our passengers happy, whilst being ready to take advantage of opportunities that come our way. The airport is growing, TFE is developing well, a new tram stop will link us to the Fife line and our city is going from strength to strength. We’re ready to be at the centre of that development and part of the continued success of Edinburgh.”

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Chair of Transport for Edinburgh, added: “To have had nearly five million passengers on board the trams since their launch is a massive achievement, and it’s thanks to the support of the public that we’ve had such a successful first year.

“Credit must also go to the team, whose efforts and professionalism ensure Edinburgh Trams provides an excellent service to passengers every day. As it continues to develop as a key element of the city’s transport offering we now look forward to its future as part of the city’s modern, integrated transport system.”