Tram line to Newhaven could open by 2022
A report for the city council puts the cost of the extension at £165 million.
Last updated 10th Aug 2017
The extension of Edinburgh's tram system to Leith and on to Newhaven is edging further down the line but we still face a long wait before a final decision is made.
A study for the city council is putting the cost at £165 million.
Councillors will next month decide if the numbers add up and whether to approve an outline business case for the extension - after that, the task of finding a contractor can be begin.
But still, a final decision on the project isn't expected until the Autumn of next year.
The latest report will be considered by the Transport and Environment Committee on September 4 and then by the council on September 21.
If the project goes ahead, the construction would take around three years and, allowing for testing, passengers could expect to use the service in the first half of 2022.
Transport convener councillor Lesley Macinnes said: "Only yesterday, we were named the UK's best city for transport links, demonstrating the success of our continued work to deliver a truly integrated public transport system for the capital.
"We cannot be complacent, though. We must ensure we keep investing in public transport and sustainable travel, both to cater to ever greater numbers of residents and visitors and to improve our environment.
"The outline business case demonstrates good early performance for the tram, with patronage expected to double in the first year. Crucially, however, it also shows Lothian Buses continuing to operate at the high standard of service we've come to depend on.
"We have the opportunity now to study the numbers in more depth before deciding on whether to progress, taking into account the needs of the city's taxpayers, and ensuring we learn lessons from the past."
The document also states that a business compensation scheme would be introduced for local traders during construction.
The trams began operating in Edinburgh at the end of May 2014 after six years of disruption and a long-running dispute between Edinburgh City Council and contractors.
At £776 million, the eventual cost was more than double the sum earmarked for the project by the previous Labour-led administration.
The inquiry into the Edinburgh trams project, set up by then first minister Alex Salmond in 2014, is due to begin oral hearings next month