EDINBURGH TRAM

Transdev have signed a contract with transport initiatives edinburgh (tie) to operate and maintain the new Edinburgh light rail system.

Transdev operates two light rail systems in Britain, having operated and maintained the Nottingham tram since Spring 2004. Transdev already operates seven tram and light rail systems overseas.

The new Edinburgh system will be operated and maintained in partnership with tie, an arms-length company set up by City of Edinburgh Council, with Transdev also acting as a consultant during the development and building of the tram.

A new company, Transdev Edinburgh Tram Ltd, has been formed to prepare for the 15-year contract along with engineering experts from Transamo, the consultancy subsidiary of Transdev.

The integrated tram network will be delivered using a phased approach to construction. This will ensure the network is built in a manageable and deliverable way, and achieves the best value.

Phase 1a: Leith Waterfront to Edinburgh Airport
Phase 1b: Haymarket to Granton
Phase 2: Leith Waterfront to Granton
Phase 3: Edinburgh Airport to Newbridge

Phases 1 and 2 are expected to be open in 2010, bringing trams to the streets of Edinburgh for the first time in more than 50 years.

Throughout its worldwide operations, Transdev has a reputation for developing close partnerships with local authorities, and has undertaken the role of development partner with local authorities for 24 individual tram lines.

Transdev operates in Porto, Portugal and in France - Nantes, Grenoble, Strasbourg, Montpellier and Orleans. The Company also runs the whole of Melbourne's tram system (the world's third largest tram network), and is actively involved in other tram developments including Tenerife, Valenciennes and Mulhouse. Transdev operates 100 networks worldwide across various transport modes and is responsible for carrying more than 3 million passengers every day.

Website: http://www.tiedinburgh.co.uk