Passenger service on 4.7 km extension of Scotland’s only tramway line to Newhaven opened to the public today on Wednesday, 7 June 2023 at 12pm. Test runs had already started on 13 March 2023 before the line was finally commissioned and ready for passenger service. The route, which has been under construction since November 2019, has been delivered within the £207.3m budget. As part of a joint venture, Sacyr, Farrans and Neopul (SFN) has been delivering the Main Infrastructure & Systems Contract for the Edinburgh Tram York Place to Newhaven project.
Construction of a tramway to Newhaven was originally planned as part of the introduction of new tramways in the city several years ago but was on hold due to lengthy political discussions while only a first section between the airport and the city centre was opened in 2014.
Eight new stops are served on the extension between previous city terminus at St Andrew Square and Newhaven. The total length of the tramway now 18.5 km. A fleet of 27 bi-directional, 42.8 metres long trams with 100% low-floor access were supplied by Spanish manufacturer CAF before opening of Edinburgh’s first tramway section. Total passenger capacity of these vehicles is at 250, thereof 78 seated, 170 standing and 2 wheelchair locations.
