Please see below an open letter from Lothian and Edinburgh Trams’ Chief Operating Officer, Willie Hamilton, in relation to the ongoing disruption on Princes Street.
In early July, a fire in a building on Princes Street led to a partial road closure that continues to affect public transport across Edinburgh. Since then, Edinburgh Trams has been operating a service between the Airport and West End, while Lothian Buses services have been diverted via George Street and Queen Street.
I recognise how frustrating this disruption has been and the impact it has had on our customers, colleagues, city centre businesses and everyone who relies on public transport each day. Like many organisations across the city, we have been significantly affected by this disruption and are keen to see services return to normal as soon as possible, particularly as Edinburgh enters its busiest period of the year.
While Princes Street remains closed to all traffic, we are doing everything possible to keep Edinburgh moving under exceptionally challenging circumstances including deploying all available resources to minimise disruption wherever possible. From the outset, our priority has been, and continues to be, the safety of our customers and colleagues.
Every available option has been explored to restore tram services to the northern section of the route. Unfortunately, transporting trams by alternative means is not currently a practical solution. Trams also require regular cleaning, routine maintenance and secure overnight storage and we do not currently have suitable long-term facilities at Newhaven to support these essential operational requirements.
Ticket acceptance on Lothian Buses remains in place as an alternative method of travel for tram customers on this section of the route. For further details please visit Princes Street Update.
I would like to also take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of colleagues across both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. Since this incident, teams have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to redesign services, coordinate operations across both networks, introduce ticket acceptance arrangements, provide up to date travel information and support customers throughout a complex and evolving situation.
Their professionalism, resilience and commitment has been exceptional. On behalf of the executive teams at Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, I would like to thank every colleague for the role they have played in helping keep the city moving.
Finally, I want to thank our customers. We know this disruption has affected thousands of journeys, and we are extremely grateful for the patience, understanding and support so many of you have shown throughout. The many messages of encouragement received have meant a great deal to colleagues across both organisations.
We continue to work closely with our partners and the relevant authorities, and as soon as we are advised that it is safe to do so, our normal network will be restored.
In the meantime, please continue to plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey and check the latest travel information which is available on our websites, apps and social media channels before travelling.
Thank you again for your continued patience and support.
Willie Hamilton
Chief Operating Officer