Edinburgh's trams make a profit two years early
The line, which was massively over budget, made ÂŁ252,000 in 2016
They were years late and massively over budget, but Edinburgh's trams are now making a profit.
The line between York Place and the airport made ÂŁ252,000 in 2016, up from a predicted loss of ÂŁ170,000 in the original business model.
Bosses say the profit comes two years earlier than expected and it's down to rising passenger numbers.
5.6 million passenger journeys were made on the trams during 2016.
The news will strength the case for an extension through Leith and on to Newhaven.
Lea Harrison, Edinburgh Trams’ Managing Director, said: "We’re delighted with these results and they firmly reflect the growing popularity of the tram.
"Over the past year we’ve seen patronage increase by 10 per cent and revenue rise by 12 per cent.
"These encouraging figures have been driven by our move to increase the frequency of trams combined with our ongoing commitment to exceptional service"
Edinburgh's trams started operating in May, 2014.
The expected cost was ÂŁ375 million back in 2003 but this eventually rose to ÂŁ776 million.