Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven open for service

The first paying customers were able to board the service, operated by Edinburgh Trams, between Newhaven and Picardy Place (and onward to Edinburgh Airport). Council leaders joined the local community and school pupils to officially open the service, alongside performances from Edinburgh’s Dance Base National Centre for Dance, pupils from Leith Academy, a youth samba band ‘Pulse of the Place’ and various buskers, to celebrate the occasion.  

The 2.9 mile, eight-stop route, has been under construction since November 2019, and from 2014, we have provided a full range of services. This included procurement and contract development support to project management, construction management, controls and performance management and cost management. We worked closely with the council’s project sponsor, finance, technical and procurement teams to help deliver this major programme on schedule and within the £207.3m budget. 

UK Managing Director of Infrastructure, James Corrigan said:

"In connecting Edinburgh to Newhaven, the opening of the new tram line represents an incredible achievement for everyone involved."

This is a significant accomplishment in delivering a greener way of travelling and bringing existing and new communities closer together. 

"As a key part of the programme team, I am immensely proud of the integral contribution that our people have made to the project from its early stages through to the tram’s successful opening."

Council Leader, Cammy Day said:

"I’m delighted to be playing a part in this momentous occasion – the launch of tram passenger services between Picardy Place and Newhaven."

It’s a real landmark moment for Edinburgh as we bring this high capacity, sustainable and reliable service to the north of the city. 

"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who live and own businesses along the route. They have shown such patience and resilience shown throughout this major, complex project and now I hope that they will really gain from the new service." 

This is also a chance to reflect on the hard work of those who have delivered this scheme. Thanks to the project team’s dedication, despite the challenges of recent years, I’m proud to say Trams to Newhaven has been delivered on time and within the £207.3m budget.

Edinburgh Trams Managing Director, Lee Harrison said:

"The opening of the route will mark another momentous day for the city, and the entire Edinburgh Trams team stands ready to bring its acclaimed brand of service excellence to tens of thousands of new customers in the communities it serves."

We’re also looking forward to delivering a real boost for local businesses, providing a convenient transport link between the city centre and some of Edinburgh’s most densely populated neighbourhoods, as well as key locations, such as Ocean Terminal and Port of Leith. 

Project Director on SFN JV, Maria Ortega, said:

"This is a proud day for the Sacyr Farrans Neopul (SFN) JV team as we celebrate the new line coming into operation."

We started work on Edinburgh Trams York Place to Newhaven four years ago, tasked with the delivery of one of the most important and complex light rail projects in the UK. Today we can say that we have achieved that vision successfully.   

"We hope that the City of Edinburgh will now begin to benefit from the wide-ranging social and economic benefits that a project of this significance will bring."

While the project is open for revenue services, outstanding public realm works will continue in some sections.