Over the next few days you should catch sight of more trams on the route between Edinburgh Airport and York Place. Until now trams have been tested between the airport and the tram stop at Edinburgh Park, while testing in the rest of the city has been restricted to nighttime, but that is all set to change.
The trams will not be sticking to any timetable but some advance notice will be given on social media.
The message that the council and Transport for Edinburgh want to get across is for all road users and pedestrians to take care and be aware of the tram.
In advance of daytime testing beginning a series of safety videos and tips as part of a wider awareness campaign to help pedestrians, cyclists and drivers get used to the trams have been produced.
Councillor Lesley Hinds,Transport Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Up until now, trams have only been running at night when the city centre roads are much quieter. Daytime tests aren’t far away and it’ll take some time for people to get used to seeing trams running on streets so we’re asking drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to take extra care while everyone becomes familiar.
“I’ve seen first hand in Dublin how trams interact with traffic and, as progress continues to be made along the route, it’ll be important that people are aware of the differences. The Client Target May service launch is drawing ever closer but there are still many important tests and a driver training programme to complete. It’s also the right time to remember some straightforward but very important safety messages.”
Edinburgh Trams Director & General Manager Tom Norris said: “Our team have been training extremely hard and we’re now ready to move into a phase where many more trams start to run along the route. Safety is our first priority and our drivers are all fully aware that other road users need time to get used to interacting with the new trams. Our main message is that trams are big and quiet so give them space, look before you cross the road and listen for the bell.”
The testing phase will eventually involve multiple tram test journeys along the full line over the whole week. There will be a gradual build up in tram movements over a period of time which will allow everyone to get used to the new arrangements. Then we can all start getting excited about the trams being launched.
Safety information can be accessed on the council website.
For more updates on Edinburgh Trams, visit Edinburgh Trams website and follow them on Twitter @edinburghtrams
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Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
