Edinburgh trams to Newhaven have officially launched to the public - with many locals of the area appearing for the first ever journey for passengers on Wednesday.
For the first time in 67 years, a tram left Picardy Place - at 11.58am - with many public transport enthusiasts from all over the country making their way to Edinburgh for the occasion. There were so many people who appeared for the launch that a significant queue of tram lovers formed eager to be the first passengers to experience the new line to Newhaven.
This had been a highly anticipated event as the project for this new line began in November 2019 with residents of the area waiting four years to see the trams in full flight.
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Edinburgh Live went along to Picardy Place to chat to the first passengers. We joined those on the first tram to Newhaven.
David Hewitson, 29, from Glasgow had travelled to Edinburgh to be one of the first people to ride on the new line. He was accompanied by his friend and fellow tram enthusiast, Edinburgh resident Aaron Gilbert, originally from Seattle. David said: "It will be so much more convenient than getting the bus."
He went on to say: "It's so nice to see so much excitement for the trams, the people of Edinburgh have really marked the occasion. I have seen people waving in the streets, drummers and the pipers on the actual tram and I think it will be such a good thing for the city."
Public transport enthusiast and East Lothian resident Mike Inglis took the day off work to savour the moment. Mike also turned up on the day the first Edinburgh tram headed from the airport to St Andrew Square back in 2014. He said: "It's long overdue and I hope it will be heavily used especially in the Leith area.
"It is weird being here on the first day, everyone is lining the streets and applauding - I think it shows appreciation from Edinburgh locals for such a massive engineering project."
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Leith resident Katya Morgan lives very close to the tram line and has used the network for a while.
The 25-year-old said: "I take the tram every day for work and having it extend all the way to Leith now it just opens the city up so much more. There are now so much more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the city a bit more."
Edinburgh tourists Bob and Caroline, from Toronto, Canada, were enjoying a long walk and went along to Newhaven due to the spectacular weather. They had no idea until they got on the tram about the special day.
Caroline said: "It was rather delightful to find out that this was the first day that the tram was running and going exactly where we had walked down as we were going to be late for our lunch date with family.
"People just seemed so excited about it and we just got on not knowing and it was absolutely packed full. It was a lot of fun to be part of something like this on our last day in Edinburgh."
Edinburgh Council leader Cammy Day was also along for the ride. He said: "I’m delighted to be playing a part in this momentous occasion – the launch of tram passenger services between Picardy Place and Newhaven. It’s a real landmark moment for Edinburgh, as we bring this high capacity, sustainable and reliable service to the north of the city.
"I know many will share in my excitement, and optimism for the benefits this development will provide. We’ve already seen vast improvements to spaces along the route and long-term I’m looking forward to the impact it will have on the local economy, which even now we’re starting to see.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all those who live and own businesses along the route. They have shown such patience and resilience throughout this major, complex project and now I hope that they will really gain from the new service.
"This is also a chance to reflect on the hard work of those who have delivered this scheme. Thanks to the project team’s dedication, despite the challenges of recent years, I’m proud to say Trams to Newhaven has been delivered on time and within the £207.3m budget."
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