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NEWS RELEASE
Monday 18th June 2007
Edinburgh trams:
New report demonstrates demand for tram scheme
TRANSform Scotland [1] have today (Monday) launched
a report 'Trams for Edinburgh's Waterfront' showing strong support for
the Edinburgh tram scheme to serve Edinburgh's Waterfront development.
The report illustrates survey results from almost 1000 individuals - staff
& students at Telford College, and staff at Scottish Gas. [1] [2]
At Telford College, the survey found that over three-quarters (77%) of
staff & students would use the tram - and that over half (53%) of
the staff that currently use a car to get to Telford would in future take
the tram.
For Scottish Gas's HQ at Granton, the survey found that over three-quarters
(81%) of staff would use the tram - and that well over half (63%) of staff
who currently use a car to get to Scottish Gas would in future take the
tram.
The full report is available online at <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/info/docs/2007-06-18_trams_Waterfront.pdf>.
Ray Harris, Principal of Edinburgh's Telford College, said:
"Here at Telford College we are striving to deliver further education
in a modern, eco-friendly environment. An important aspect of this is
how our staff and students travel to college and we certainly welcome
any initiatives that encourage more people to use public transport. This
report has confirmed that a tram scheme servicing Edinburgh's Waterfront
remains a popular option with our staff and students and we therefore
continue to support its development."
Paul Tetlaw, Chair of TRANSform Scotland, said:
"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 the Scottish Executive 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] Edinburgh tram scheme
More information on the proposed Edinburgh tram network can be found at:
<http://www.tramtime.com>.
[3] Support for Edinburgh tram scheme
The Edinburgh tram project has received widespread support from private,
public and voluntary sector organisations across Edinburgh and Scotland.
Businesses, retailers, educational institutions and major employers that
have indicated their support for the tram scheme have 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.
Charities, voluntary organisations and campaign groups that have indicated
their support for the tram scheme have included: 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, Spokes the Lothian Cycle Campaign,
Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, TRANSform Scotland, Voluntary Health
Scotland and WWF Scotland.
[4] Briefing on Edinburgh trams
TRANSform Scotland's 'Trams for Edinburgh' briefing is available
at <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/info/docs/2007-05-23_Trams_briefing.pdf>.
END OF NEWS RELEASE
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