Edinburgh Trams increase service frequency to manage demand

Edinburgh Trams are to increase service frequency in morning and evening rush hours to help manage growing demand.

From the 26^th July, Edinburgh Trams will run from every five minutes during morning and evening rush hours; 7.30am – 9.30am and 4.30pm – 6.30pm. Frequency has increased from the current eight to ten minutes in order to cater for higher demand.

Commenting on the decision to increase frequency, Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams General Manager said: “The trams have proved very popular since they were introduced, with passenger numbers increasing all the time. Although this is a modest increase in our capacity on the line it is still an important step in increasing the frequency of the service and providing more capacity during peak times so we can help even more people travel along the route.”

The move follows a successful trial carried out during the weeks of 11 and 18 July to check that there were no impacts on traffic flows from the increased frequency.

Edinburgh Trams frequency increase to provide 1,500 additional passenger spaces

The change means there will be an extra three return journeys during both the morning and evening rush hours, providing a total of 1,500 additional passenger spaces.

George Lowder, Chief Executive of Transport for Edinburgh, said: “We are very pleased to make this change. A lot of work has gone into making sure the new journeys would integrate seamlessly with other traffic and I appreciate the efforts that all the staff at Edinburgh Trams and City of Edinburgh Council have put into this. We will maintain our focus on improving the service on the existing line for the benefit of commuters, residents and visitors alike.”

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Chair of Transport for Edinburgh and Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, added: “Coming on the back of a strong passenger and financial performance, this is more welcome news for the trams. The increased demand and our ability to boost capacity so that even more people can travel by tram at the busiest times of the working day are both positive signs for the service. I know the Edinburgh Trams team will continue to look for new ways to further improve their offering and help us make public transport an even more attractive option for people living, working, visiting or spending time in the Capital.”

Latest figures reveal there were 5.38 million passengers on Edinburgh Trams in its second 12 months of operation. This equates to a 9.3 percent increase compared to the year of launch.