NEWS RELEASE
Friday 16th March 2007

Comment on Edinburgh tram funding announcement:
Welcome for Ministerial go-ahead for trams

TRANSform Scotland welcomed today's announcement that the Scottish Ministers have approved funding for work to commence on the Edinburgh tram project. [1] [2]

Paul Tetlaw, Chair of TRANSform Scotland, said:

"We welcome transport minister Tavish Scott's approval for work to begin on Edinburgh's new tram system.

"It is essential that we invest in high quality public transport in Scotland's cities if we are to remain competitive. Across Europe over 250 towns and cities already enjoy light rail systems so we have a lot of catching up to do. We urge politicians of all parties to ensure that this project now moves forward to completion - in the shortest possible time."

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] TRANSform Scotland

TRANSform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups.

We can be contacted at Lamb's House, Burgess Street, Leith, Edinburgh, EH6 6RD. Tel 0131 467 7714; fax 0131 554 8656; email <info@transformscotland.org.uk>; web <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk>.

[2] The Scottish Executive announcement is available at <http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/03/16135234>.

[3] More information on the proposed Edinburgh tram network can be found at: <http://www.tramtime.com>

[4] In December 2006, the Edinburgh tram project received widespread support from private, public and voluntary sector organisations across Edinburgh and Scotland.

Businesses, retailers, educational institutions and major employers that wrote to the City of Edinburgh Councillors in support of the trams included: Forth Ports plc and Edinburgh Airport; John Lewis and Marks and Spencer; the University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University and Telford College; Standard Life and Oracle; Edinburgh City Centre Management Company and Edinburgh International Conference Centre; Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, the Scottish Council Development and Industry; and the Institute of Directors, Scotland.

Additionally, a range of charities, voluntary organisations and campaign groups also wrote to the City of Edinburgh Councillors in support of the trams, including: Capability Scotland, The Cockburn Association, Friends of the Earth Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland, The Scottish Association for Public Transport, Scottish Environment LINK, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, TRANSform Scotland, Voluntary Health Scotland and WWF Scotland.

[5] TRANSform Scotland's briefing sent to all City of Edinburgh Council councillors in advance of the December 2006 decision to support the business case for the Edinburgh trams is available at <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/info/docs/2006-12-21_CEC_trams.pdf>.

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