Edinburgh residents deserve answers on how the city\u2019s tram extension will be funded over 500 days after the Scottish Government ruled out support, according to a city councillor.<\/p>\n
But the Capital\u2019s transport boss has said a range of funding options are being explored for the project, which is currently set to cost up to \u00a32.9 billion \u2013 and that the government wouldn\u2019t be asked for funds until well into the next parliament.<\/p>\n
In May last year, the Scottish Government said they would not foot the bill for the extension \u2018in the current fiscal climate\u2019 and based on the findings of the tram inquiry.<\/p>\n
And at a full council meeting last month, the city\u2019s administration pledged that council money would not be used for the tram extension \u2013 leading to questions over just where the money could come from.<\/p>\n
Liberal Democrat councillor Kevin Lang has now set up an online timer to measure how long it\u2019s been since Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop made the statement in a letter \u2013 with Saturday marking 500 days.<\/p>\n
Cllr Lang said: \u201cIt\u2019s now 500 days since the Scottish Government dismissed the idea they would fund the tram extension. Yet we are no clearer today than we were then on who will pick up the tab.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven developing the business case for the project is expected to cost over \u00a340 million. That\u2019s not putting a spade in the ground or laying an inch of tram track. That is \u00a340 million just to develop the business case, whatever the route chosen.<\/p>\n
\u201cAfter a series of flip-flops, Labour councillors running Edinburgh now appear to accept that council tax money will not be used. However, the SNP in the Scottish Government say it\u2019s not them either. People in the city deserve to know where the money is coming from.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is why Liberal Democrats will be recording every day that passes until we get an answer to the simple question \u2013 who is paying for the tram extension?\u201d<\/p>\n
Labour councillor and Transport convener Stephen Jenkinson said: \u201cWe\u2019ve been clear throughout that we would explore a range of options to fund the proposed tram extension.<\/p>\n
\u201cEdinburgh is the fastest growing city in Scotland, with more than 60,000 new residents expected over the next two decades and over 34,000 by 2028 alone.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst this trend reflects our success, it brings real pressure on our communities, and on the city\u2019s transport infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to look for bold and ambitious solutions and the tram extension is central to this. Doing nothing as some seem to be suggesting is simply not an option.\u201d<\/p>\n
Addressing questions about the cost of the strategic business case, he said it was a necessary step no matter what funding source the council uses for the extension.<\/p>\n
The Scottish Government requires one to be carried out for any projects to be funded, and it would also give important information for any public-private partnerships that may be formed.<\/p>\n
The council has previously said a public-private partnership could be explored to build the extension, which will see tram service expanded north to Granton and south to the Royal Infirmary.<\/p>\n
Only when more advanced design work has been done will the city have a firm understanding of how much it will need to find to fund the project.<\/p>\n
Cllr Jenkinson emphasised that the project had backing from a range of organisations, including ScotRail, Edinburgh Airport and Asthma + Lung UK, among others.<\/p>\n
Further, he added that the tram extension is already included in recommendations made by Transport Scotland in plans to improve infrastructure across Scotland.<\/p>\n
By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter<\/p>\n