Another £8 million of emergency funding has been announced for Edinburgh trams and Glasgow Subway

The Scottish Government is to provide a further £8 million of emergency funding for Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams in response to the on-going financial impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Another £8 million of emergency funding has been announced for Edinburgh trams and Glasgow Subway

This latest emergency funding brings the total light rail support available up to £21 million and this will now be in place until the end of March 2021.

The announcement follows discussions with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and Edinburgh Trams regarding available resources due to the unprecedented impact that coronavirus has had on travel demand.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said that while a reduction in the number of people using public transport is clear due to travel

restrictions and physical distancing rules, it is vital to ensure the services continue for those that do need to travel for essential purposes.

He said: “The light rail networks in Glasgow and Edinburgh continue to play a part in this ongoing sustainable transport response and will be crucial in the longer term social and

economic recovery to provide essential links within Scotland’s two largest cities.

"The support to date has enabled these light rail networks to carry over 2 million trips since July, further demonstrating the importance of these services.”

SPT Chair, Councillor Dr Martin Bartos said he welcomes the good news as Glasgow Subway continues to be a vital link within the city despite the difficult times facing the industry.

Council Leader Adam McVey also welcomed the news of the extra funding, saying: “We’re very pleased with Transport Scotland’s commitment to further support Edinburgh Trams.

“Events of the last few days have demonstrated that we are by no means at the end of the COVID crisis and this additional funding will help ensure the continued delivery of our

award-winning trams service for all those that need it.

“Edinburgh Trams has been critical to transporting many key workers during this year and will be central to our public transport network, and the essential workers who rely on it,

over the coming months.

"Thanks to drivers and staff, Edinburgh Trams has provided a valuable service throughout the pandemic and we look forward to its lasting success as part of the city’s recovery and beyond.”

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