Successful public meeting sells South Sub Scheme to Southside residents

Another very successful public meeting for ‘Tram Trains for Edinburgh’\

Around 170 people attended a meeting held yesterday by the campaign group Tram Trains for Edinburgh ("TTfE") at the King's Buildings. The idea of reopening the ‘South Sub’ using the hybrid vehicles that can run onto the existing tram network met with an enthusiastic response from local residents.

The group explained how the under-used railway line could be used by tram-trains, and what tram stops at Newington and Cameron Toll might look like. Attendees were able to question how the engineering challenges and approvals process might be progressed. Elected politicians from the Labour and Liberal Democrat Parties came to express support for the project, whilst SNP and Green politicians sent messages of approval.

Rob Falcon, Chair of TTfE, said:“It was great to welcome so many members of the public to our latest open meeting. Local residents will benefit hugely from better public transport across the south side of the city, and there was enthusiasm for a service to connect residents in the Lothians to work, retail or leisure locations along the South Sub, reducing traffic and congestion. Reopening the South Sub would provide a fast and efficient service on a route difficult to navigate by car and poorly served by buses.”