Our Proposal

Tram-trains are hybrid vehicles that can run on both railway tracks and tram tracks. This flexibility means they can use existing railway infrastructure — like Edinburgh's South Suburban Railway — while also integrating with the city's tram network.

What's the proposal — in practical terms?

The route would run from Murrayfield and Haymarket via Gorgie and Morningside to Niddrie and Brunstane, using the existing South Suburban Railway alignment. Tram-trains would run at a frequency of 4 or 6 per hour, providing a turn-up-and-go service for communities along the route.

At the western end, the main engineering challenge is crossing the Edinburgh–Glasgow main line at Haymarket. A grade-separated junction or flat crossing would be required to allow tram-trains to transition between the South Sub and the existing tram network heading towards the Airport.

At the eastern end, the route would cross the East Coast railway via Sir Harry Lauder Road, connecting to Portobello and offering interchange with east coast rail services at Brunstane.

Some proposed station locations

Newington station site

Proposed Portobello station site

Murrayfield tram station

Morningside station