21 February 2009
Edinburgh trams - Paul Tetlaw article in The Herald
Version as submitted to The Herald on 20/02/09:
Tram systems are a key component in the best transport networks around the world. They combine the frequent stops and on-street accessibility of bus services with the speed of train travel. They emit no fumes at street level and so do not damage the buildings or the health of the people they run past.
Our Capital's international competitor cities have already made significant investments in high quality tram and metro systems, and it is imperative that we ensure that Edinburgh can pride itself with one of the best public transport systems in Europe. Indeed, across Europe over 250 towns and cities now have light rail systems.
England is well ahead of Scotland in implementing light rail. Successful schemes are already in operation in Nottingham, Sheffield, Manchester, Croydon, London Docklands, Tyne & Wear and the West Midlands. Some of these are now being extended, as is the highly successful system in Dublin. At the same time,
continental countries are making substantial investment in light rail networks for their towns and cities.
The tram will provide a range of benefits to the environment but also to Edinburgh's economy.
Congestion poses a serious threat to the city and its future growth, and a modern public transport system is an important factor in attracting a high quality workforce and visitors to Edinburgh.
Trams are very efficient at carrying large numbers of passengers and are proven to be much more attractive at persuading car drivers to change their mode of transport. They are accessible to parents with pushchairs and by those using wheelchairs.
We face very demanding local air quality targets under European law: electric trams generate no emissions at the point of use and so can help in ensuring that dangerous levels of air pollution are avoided.
Finally, by providing electrically-powered trams, we are investing in a transport system that is not dependent on future oil supplies, which are now the subject of numerous global threats and volatility in market prices. Electricity can be generated from many sources, including a variety of renewable options.
Edinburgh now needs to catch up with the best practice across Europe. It is important to remember that, for many visitors, Edinburgh is the gateway to Scotland and their view of transport across the country will be formed by their experience of its capital city.
If Scotland wants urban public transport to match the best in Europe then it is imperative that the dispute over the Edinburgh tram is resolved as swiftly as possible. I'd suggest that the contractors go away and have a long hard think over the weekend, as their reputation is at stake here as is their ability to win future work in Scotland.
Paul Tetlaw
Chair, Transform Scotland