30 May 2014
TRAMS A "NEW BEGINNING FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN SCOTLAND"
Welcome for launch of Edinburgh Tram scheme
Transform Scotland, the national alliance for sustainable transport, has today (Friday 30th) welcomed the launch of the Edinburgh Trams scheme. Transform Scotland played an important role in making the case for investment in light rail in Scotland and has remained a staunch supporter of the case for investment in trams.
Transform Scotland spokesperson, Paul Tetlaw, said:
"Saturday is a momentous day for transport in Edinburgh with the launch of the new generation tram service heralding a new beginning for public transport in Scotland.
"Our European neighbours are years ahead of us in developing light rail systems to serve their towns and cities and we must now look to see a rapid expansion of the Edinburgh tram network so that Scotland's capital city can compete with the best in Europe.
"Trams last ran in Edinburgh nearly 60 years ago and the abandonment of the original system plus that of the suburban railway network must now be seen as a huge mistake. The conference organised by Transform Scotland and Passenger Focus in 2001 brought a range of international speakers to Edinburgh and acted as a catalyst for the development of the new tram system. We are proud to have played our part in helping to deliver the new generation tram system.”
Paul Tetlaw will be present at today’s St Andrew Square photocall being hosted by The City of Edinburgh Council.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Transform Scotland
Transform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups - see <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/members.aspx> for details.
[2] Transform Scotland ‘Trams Back on Track’ conference held in January 2001.
Details of the conference referred to in the quote is at <http://archive.transformscotland.org.uk/info/news/2001/2001-01-11.html>. Passenger Focus <http://www.passengerfocus.org.uk> is the successor organisation to the Rail Passengers Committee Scotland. At the conference, the then Scottish Government transport minister Sarah Boyack confirmed the administration’s support for investment in light rail in Scotland.
END OF NEWS RELEASE