– City-zone return to complement existing Airport return –
– Options for extra and faster services also being assessed –
Next month tram passengers will soon be able to buy a return ticket for city-zone journeys, helping to reduce queues and waiting times at platforms.
Customers will also have the option of paying by card, as the cost of a return is above the minimum card payment threshold.
From 10 April, the new return ticket will be available at the same price as two single tickets and valid only on same-day tram services within the city area.
A separate ticket is required for return journeys in the Airport zone.
Edinburgh Trams say that work is ongoing to assess various options for extra and faster services with the aim of introducing a new timetable before the end of this year.
The tram company’s initial priority is to add more morning and evening peak services, and also to speed up airport journey times. Following a successful trial last year to establish the feasibility of early morning airport services, work is continuing on options for extending hours of operation.
To help fund service improvements, single tickets from 10 April will increase by 10p to £1.60, and airport fares will also increase by 50p. Prices for regular passengers using Ridacard season tickets or Daytickets will remain the same.
Edinburgh Trams General Manager Lea Harrison said: “We have listened to our customers and expect that the introduction of a return ticket option will be well received. While we have been very successful to date, the demand for more services is clearly there and we’re working hard to maximise the potential of the current line.
“The changes to our ticket prices will help us to remain competitively priced, while ensuring that we are able to continue making further service improvements. Edinburgh has a growing population of residents, workers and visitors and we need to make sure that the tram plays its part as an efficient, safe and popular way of getting around the city.”
The new prices for all airport tickets are: adult single – £5.50, adult return – £8.50, child single – £3.00 and child return – £4.50. Full details of all ticket prices and terms and conditions are available from www.edinburghtrams.co.uk
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
