Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Transport Edinburgh Limited, the company that will run Edinburgh’s integrated transport system, said: “We are very pleased with this announcement. It gives us the mandate to start the preparatory utility work which is the first step to delivering trams to Edinburgh by 2010.

The City of Edinburgh Council and tie Limited have welcomed the announcement (Friday 16th March) by Transport Minister Tavish Scott to release capital funds that enable utility diversions to start, preparing the ground for the laying of tram tracks in the future.

Cllr Ewan Aitken, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council said: “This is welcome news for Edinburgh as trams will prove to be the revolutionary transport change that Scotland's capital needs. As our city continues to grow and more jobs are created we have to manage the demand for our limited road space fairly.

“A modern capital city needs a modern public transport solution and now we can go ahead and deliver exactly that. Utilities work can now begin and we are committed to doing this as quickly as possible.

“We are committed to ensuring that future phases of the network are not just a pipe dream but become a reality in the not too distant future.”

Willie Gallagher, Chairman of  tie, said: “This is great news for Edinburgh, it means we can make a start on our planned programme to divert utilities and prepare for the world class tram service we want to deliver for Edinburgh.

“A great deal of effort has gone into planning the programme which is designed to minimise the impact of the construction phase. We are committed to ensuring that Edinburgh remains Open for Business during the works.

“This announcement brings us nearer to being granted full funding for phase 1a. The only remaining milestone is the consideration of the Final Business Case later this year, which will be completed when bid negotiations for the infrastructure and tram vehicles have concluded and final costs factored into the business case.

”The vision of trams in Edinburgh is one step closer to being a reality; it’s now time to deliver.”

Neil Renilson, Chief Executive of Transport Edinburgh Limited, the company that will run Edinburgh’s integrated transport system, said: “We are very pleased with this announcement. It gives us the mandate to start the preparatory utility work which is the first step to delivering trams to Edinburgh by 2010.

Source: City of Edinburgh Council, Friday, 16th March, 2007