The North-South tram consultation ends tomorrow, and I feel there has been too little debate about WHY Edinburgh needs this project. I welcome the fact that the UK Government is considering funding it due to national economic benefits (the Council has been clear that it can’t fund it, and the Scottish Government is more focused on other parts of Scotland), but what will the project mean for people living in Edinburgh?

The proposal for a North-South tramline, linking areas like Granton in the north, through the city centre, and out to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary in the south, represents a generational opportunity for our city. It’s not just a debate about public transport; it’s a commitment to sustainable urban growth, better homes, more jobs, and a stronger economy. This line is the infrastructure bedrock upon which a future-proof Edinburgh will be built.

It will connect Edinburgh College, the Western Hospital, Haymarket Station, Edinburgh University and the Royal Infirmary, and attract investment to our capital city.

Unlocking Homes and Regeneration
Edinburgh is a city of high demand and limited space. A new high-capacity transit line is the single most powerful tool for unlocking major development opportunities and facilitating the creation of new homes, particularly along the northern stretch amd southern extent of the route.

Trams provide the certainty that large-scale housing developers need to invest. By linking up development sites, the tram effectively makes these areas viable and attractive places to live, helping to meet the city’s urgent demand for housing. Crucially, the route will connect communities, including some of the most economically deprived areas, directly to major employment and healthcare hubs in the south, enhancing social inclusion and access to essential services. Being near a tram stop is already a marketing point for properties on the existing line, and this trend of property value uplift is a proven benefit that helps secure long-term financial health for the surrounding areas.

A Catalyst for Jobs and Economic Power
The tramline is a massive economic driver. The direct benefit begins immediately with the construction phase, creating thousands of jobs in engineering and construction.

However, the long-term benefits are far more significant. The City of Edinburgh Council’s existing tram line has already been cited as delivering an economic benefit where every £1 invested generates £4 in return. The North-South line will accelerate this by:

• Broadening the Labour Market: It connects the large workforce potential in the north directly to high-value sectors like the life sciences at the BioQuarter and professional services in the City Centre, making it easier for local businesses to hire the right talent and increasing job access for residents.
• Attracting Inward Investment: High-quality, reliable public transport is a key factor for international businesses choosing where to locate. An integrated tram network boosts Edinburgh’s reputation as a globally competitive city, supporting our key industries and ensuring long-term prosperity.

Cutting Congestion and Emissions
Every resident knows the headache of Edinburgh’s congestion. Trams offer a genuine, high-capacity alternative to the car, which is vital for achieving our ambitious net-zero carbon goals.

A single tram can carry over 200 people, significantly more than a double-decker bus, and because it often runs on segregated tracks, it offers a reliable, predictable journey time that buses often cannot compete with. By making public transport an efficient, attractive option, the tram encourages a massive modal shift away from private car use – freeing up more space for essential car users. This doesn’t just reduce carbon emissions; it frees up road space, reduces journey times for everyone (including those delivering goods), and cleans the air in our city centre.

Learning from Successful Cities
Edinburgh is not pioneering this effort in isolation; we are following a global, proven trend.

Cities across the UK and Europe have successfully used light rail to underpin their modern urban development strategies. Manchester’s Metrolink has been instrumental in the city’s regeneration, while Nottingham’s Express Transit (NET) has been linked to property price increases and major commercial investments along its corridor. Even closer to home, the success of the existing Edinburgh tram to Newhaven demonstrates that when a high-quality, reliable service is provided, people will use it… and that Edinburgh has learned from the disaster of the first project!

The North-South tramline is an essential piece of infrastructure that will help Edinburgh manage its growth, support its economy, and cement its place as a world-class, sustainable city for decades to come.

What aspect of the North-South tramline, jobs, housing, or congestion, are you most excited to see addressed?