Edinburgh Trams Facts for Kids

This page is about a tramway under construction from 2007 onwards. For trams operating 1871–1956, see Edinburgh Corporation Tramways.

The Edinburgh Trams are a modern tram system in Edinburgh, Scotland. They help people travel around the city. Before these new trams, Edinburgh only had buses for public transport since 1956. That's when the city's older tram system closed down.

Edinburgh Trams Ltd. operates this tramway. As of 2017, the tram line is about 14 kilometers (9 miles) long. It connects York Place in the city center to Edinburgh Airport. Along the way, there are 16 stops. Building the new tram line started in June 2008. After some delays, the trams finally began running on May 31, 2014.

How the Trams Were Built
- From Planning to Opening Day
Where Do the Trams Go?
- Connecting Key Locations
Images for kids
See also

How the Trams Were Built

Building the Edinburgh Trams was a big project. It involved laying new tracks and setting up power lines. Many parts of the city had construction work for several years. This included busy areas like Princes Street and near Haymarket railway station.

From Planning to Opening Day

The idea for new trams in Edinburgh started many years before construction. Once the plans were ready, workers began digging up streets. They laid down the special tracks that trams run on. They also built new stations and a depot for the trams. The depot is where trams are stored and maintained.

After the tracks and stations were ready, the trams themselves arrived. Drivers had to be trained to operate them safely. This training took place on the new tracks before passengers could ride. Finally, on May 31, 2014, the Edinburgh Trams opened to the public. People were excited to ride the new trams for the first time.

Where Do the Trams Go?

The current tram line connects the city center to the airport. This makes it easy for travelers to get to and from the airport. It also helps people living and working along the route.

Connecting Key Locations

The tram line starts at York Place in the New Town area. It then travels through important places like Princes Street and Haymarket. From there, it goes out towards the west of the city. The line ends right at Edinburgh Airport. This route helps reduce traffic and pollution in the city.