Edinburgh City Council is considering another extension to the tram network.
The City Mobility Plan, due to be presented at a meeting of the transport committee on 19 February, includes ambitions to have a north/south line, running from Granton Harbour and down to either Roseburn or Shandwick Place, on the existing central tram line.
The line will then follow the existing city centre track, before turning south east down to the Royal Infirmary and Bio Quarter.
There are also plans for a mass transit network, including trams, to be extended west from the airport and into West Lothian.
An implementation timetable indicates the council plans on having a complete business case for the next tram extension by 2023, with a final business case set to be completed in 2025.
Subject to approval, the council is aiming to have the north/south tram line, and a westward expansion, completed by 2030.
Liberton and Gilmerton councillor, and convener of the transport committee, Lesley Macinnes, said: “We recognise the fact that there’s an enormous requirement for a north/south.
“We also recognise there’s a demand out west, partly to pick up cross-border traffic from West Lothian.
“We’re looking at that regional aspect, to pick up some of the car commuting – so the west of Edinburgh is going to be quite important in that, and obviously the north/south line to service the Royal Infirmary and the Bio Quarter and going on into Midlothian.
“That is subject to all sorts of discussions but that’s certainly the expectation.”
The City Mobility Plan report stated that mass rapid transit has the power to catalyse regeneration, unlock housing development and employment opportunities.
“It also helps to reduce air pollution by providing efficient, sustainable transport while opening up people-friendly transport links for individuals and communities from all walks of life.
“Increasing mass rapid transit is critical if we are to meet the needs of our growing city in a sustainable way,” the report added.
