Edinburgh’s North-South Tram Extension, Public Consultation Open on New Routes, Benefits, Costs and Future Connectivity Plans

Published on August 31, 2025

The City of Edinburgh is already increasingly concerned with extending the tram network from Granton in the north to BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary in the south. This shift in transportation infrastructure is triggered by the growing population of the city. Residents can access the consultations from the 25th of August 2025 and have 12 weeks to provide feedback on the plans which will be further evaluated in the form of a Strategic Business Case (SBC). This is expected to be brought before the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026 where further decisions will be made alongside funding provisions.

Proposed Route and Key Sections

The proposed tram route is divided into two main sections, each requiring input from the public. The first section will connect Granton to the city centre, with potential variations after Ferry Road/Crewe Toll. Two alternative routes are under consideration:

Orchard Brae Route: This route would travel through the west end of Princes Street, along Orchard Brae, and continue via Queensferry Road to the city centre. Estimated to cost between £650 million and £850 million, it is projected to carry 3.75 million passengers annually by 2042.

Roseburn Path Route: The alternative option would follow an old railway line, passing through Ferry Road/Crewe Toll, Craigleith, and reaching the city centre. This route is expected to cost between £350 million and £480 million, with an estimated 4.25 million passengers annually by 2042.

The Roseburn Path option has raised some concerns due to its popularity as a cycle path and green corridor. To address these concerns, there will be a focus on balancing the new tramline with the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, and the local ecology, ensuring that the environment remains protected and enhanced.

City Centre to BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary

The second section of the proposed tram extension will link the city centre to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary. Starting from Princes Street, the tram will connect to the existing line, providing seamless interchange opportunities for passengers. The route will cross North Bridge, continuing through Nicholson Street, Newington, and Cameron Toll before heading to the BioQuarter and the Royal Infirmary. This extension aims to improve connectivity for those accessing healthcare facilities, universities, and nearby housing developments.

Future Mass Transit Connections

The consultation also explores potential extensions beyond the BioQuarter to other areas in Midlothian and East Lothian. The vision includes a possible tram-train service along the old Edinburgh South Suburban Railway, with future links to Musselburgh Railway Station and Queen Margaret University, enhancing connectivity for residents and travelers in these areas.

This forward-thinking approach will help integrate the surrounding regions into Edinburgh’s expanding transport network, improving travel options for a growing population and ensuring more sustainable, efficient transport choices for the future.

Costs and Benefits of the Project

The full cost of the extension, from Granton to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary, is projected to be between £2 billion and £2.9 billion, depending on the selected route. The tram extension is expected to carry approximately 38 million passengers annually by 2042. Beyond easing congestion, the extension promises a host of other benefits, including reduced emissions, improved air quality, and enhanced opportunities for active travel.

Edinburgh’s tram network has already been praised for its efficiency and sustainability, and the new extension aims to further this reputation by connecting key areas of the city with a reliable and eco-friendly transport solution.

Council’s Vision for the Future

The city’s transport development plans are crucial to managing the increasing demand from Edinburgh’s expanding population, which is projected to grow by over 60,000 residents in the next 20 years. The tram extension is seen as a vital part of tackling this growth, addressing issues such as congestion, pollution, and the pressure on public transport services. By encouraging sustainable travel and improving connectivity between key locations such as the BioQuarter, Royal Infirmary, and the bustling city centre, the tram extension is integral to Edinburgh’s future success.

Conclusion: Shaping Edinburgh’s Future Transport

The tram extension consultation presents an essential opportunity for the public to participate in shaping the evolution of Edinburgh’s transport network in pace with the growing population. The proposed extension is expected to enhance accessibility, lower carbon emissions, and offer a contemporary solution to urban mobility challenges in the city. The project seeks to connect the north and south of Edinburgh, thus shaping a more sustainable and better-connected future for the city and reinforcing its status as one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.