EDINBURGH Trams have reported two million more customer journeys in the last year compared to 2023.
The trams, which go from Edinburgh Airport to Newhaven have reportedly been used over 12 million times in the last year, which is 7.3m more than in 2022.
The tram was extended to Newhaven in June 2023, when eight new stops were added along Leith Walk, The Shore, Ocean Terminal and Newhaven.
The increase in customers is attributed by Edinburgh Trams to a busy festival season, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Murrayfield Stadium, and links to iconic venues such as the Royal Highland Showground.
Construction of the tram extension caused a stir among locals and shop owners, one of whom told the BBC in 2023: “The noise has been absolutely horrendous for people.
“I’ve lost tens of thousands of pounds because I had a business on the route that was affected.
“I had to close a shop because of it and make people redundant. There has been a trail of destruction down the tram works for businesses.”
The extension project, which cost a whopping £207m, initially projected in 2019 that 16 million passengers would use the line in its first year of operation.
Edinburgh Trams posted to social media yesterday saying: “We’re thriving.
“Last year, we recorded more than 12 million customer journeys compared to 9.2 million in 2023.”
Edinburgh Trams’ managing director, Lea Harrison said: “Last year saw a series of remarkable achievements, not least our busiest ever day when more than 74,000 trips were taken onboard our trams.
“This was part of an astonishing period in June when almost a quarter of a million journeys were recorded during a series of concerts by global superstar Taylor Swift at the Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
“In August, we registered our busiest month of the year, with 1.2 million journeys taken during the city’s world-renowned festival season.”
He went on to say: “This sustained growth and award success reflects the commitment of the entire Edinburgh Trams team to delivering the very best service for customers, whether they are visiting the city to enjoy its many sights and attractions or rely on us every day for work or leisure.
“As the network continues to go from strength to strength, we will focus our efforts on further enhancing the customer experience.”
Last year, Edinburgh Trams also won the Most Improved System category at the Global Light Rail Awards, and the title of Tram Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards.
