Key Points
- Edinburgh City Council has unveiled proposals for a new north-south tram route from Granton to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
- The route features a single section from Granton to Ferry Road/Crewe Toll, with two options to the city centre: Orchard Brae corridor or Roseburn Path.
- A 12-week public consultation is underway to gather views, informing a Strategic Business Case for presentation to the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026.
- Costs range from £350m–£850m for city centre sections, with projected ridership of 3.75–4.25 million passengers annually by 2042.
- Potential extensions could reach Midlothian and East Lothian, including Musselburgh and Queen Margaret University.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) January 30, 2026 – City of Edinburgh Council has launched a major public consultation on proposals for a third tram line stretching from Granton in the north through the city centre to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary in the south. The 12-week consultation seeks input from residents and stakeholders to shape the route’s future, following the successful extension of trams from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven in 2023, which now serves over one million passengers monthly.
This north-south expansion aims to address growing transport pressures in Scotland’s fastest-growing city, where more than 60,000 new residents are expected over the next 20 years. Previous studies identify trams as the optimal solution for the corridor, supported by bus priority measures.
What is the proposed route for the new tram line?
The route divides into three main sections. From Granton to Ferry Road/Crewe Toll, a single path follows an old rail alignment, with potential stops at Roseburn Terrace, near the former Murrayfield station, and along Waterfront Avenue to Granton Square as the northern terminus. In the city centre, it connects via Princes Street, allowing interchanges with buses and rail at Waverley, then proceeds through North Bridge, Nicolson Street, Newington, and Cameron Toll to the BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary.
From Ferry Road/Crewe Toll to the city centre, two options are under consideration. The Orchard Brae corridor travels via Orchard Brae, Dean Bridge, Queensferry Road, and Queensferry Street to Princes Street’s west end, with estimated costs of £650m–£850m. The Roseburn Path follows a disused railway to Haymarket and the centre, costing £350m–£480m, and was initially preferred in 2024 studies. Both options project strong ridership by 2042, at 3.75 million for Orchard Brae and 4.25 million for Roseburn Path.
How will the public consultation shape the project?
The consultation, running for 12 weeks, invites views on route options, stops, and alignments via an interactive map on the council’s hub. Stops are selected for accessibility, minimising constraints, and maximising usage. Feedback will develop the Strategic Business Case, due before the Transport and Environment Committee in 2026. According to Rail Technology Magazine, the council presents both city centre routes objectively, detailing pros and cons.
What stops and connections are planned?
Indicative stops include Granton Square, Seafield Square, old Granton station, Waverley with improved access, Nicholson Square, Preston Street, and southern links at Cameron Toll. Alternative central paths consider Lothian Road to Clerk Street or Morrison Street past Edinburgh University. Scottish Construction Now reports potential extensions to Musselburgh Railway station, Queen Margaret University, and Shawfair for Midlothian and Borders interchanges.
What do officials say about the tram expansion?
Transport and Environment convener Councillor Stephen Jenkinson welcomed the stage, stating per Scottish Construction Now: “I’m pleased that we’ve reached this key stage for extending our multi-award-winning tram service. Our overarching vision is to truly link our city for the benefit of all.” He highlighted connections from Granton Waterfront to universities, hospitals, and new housing as vital for prosperity. The council emphasises preparing infrastructure for growth amid rising pressures.
Councillor Jenkinson added that new developments along the route will drive Edinburgh’s long-term success, with trams forming a backbone alongside buses.
