Monday February 2nd 2026
Concept map of a tram extension showing the potential for a third line by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
With the unveiling of a ‘metro map’ that shows plans for a third tram line for Edinburgh using the old South Suburban railway line, campaign group Tram Trains for Edinburgh (TTfE) have noted the map’s significance and explained that reopening the South Sub ‘forms a key part’ in a potential third line.
The ‘aspirational’ network map, includes the closed South Suburban railway to extend Edinburgh’s tram network, utilising the line to create a third line using vehicles named tram-trains.
Tram-trains are vehicles that are able to run on and off both the existing tram router and conventional railways, providing options using both networks.
The Council’s ‘metro map’ shows a good network of tram lines which would reach across Edinburgh, including some areas currently not well served by public transport. TTfE explained that such a network would relieve the current and future congestion problems, provide fast services across the city, whilst making the bus services quicker and more punctual.
Reopening the South Sub forms a key part of a potential tram network across the city, serving employment, retail and leisure locations such as Portobello, Cameron Toll, Kings Buildings, Morningside and Gorgie for Tynecastle and Murrayfield.
TTfE noted that new potential routes joining the South Sub to the tram network from Portobello, both via London Road and via developments planned for Seafield and Leith Docks, further explaining that ‘it makes sense to provide better public transport from the east side of the city – and the South Sub – at Portobello, and it’s good to see the Council starting to think about future routes to link with the existing tram line down Leith Walk and to Newhaven.’
As with the South Sub, these would rely on old railway lines for much of their length, so the disruption caused during construction would be minimal and cost much lower.
The Chair of TTfE, Rob Falcon, explained:
“We welcome publication of the Council’s medium term transport plans which of course must include reopening the ‘South Sub’. The line will provide fast and efficient public transport across the south side of the City.
“Not only will this be a key route for the City’s residents but it will enable regional journeys beyond the city boundaries, both east & west, and take traffic off the bypass. We look forward to the Council and regional transport bodies producing concrete plans for this vital transport investment.”
With the release of the map last week, Edinburgh Council transport leader, Stephen Jenkings, posted on BlueSky that the map is more of a ‘concept’ than a ‘plan’.
He explained: “The concept I presented seems to have taken a life of its own. I do love the map though I have to say”.
Tweet Share on Facebook
