Edinburgh Tram bosses start bidding process for adverts

Tram bosses have kickstarted the bidding process for companies looking to plaster their adverts across Edinburgh's fleet, it has emerged.

The capitals trams have yet to carry their first advertising. Picture: Lesley Martin

Global giant JCDecaux, which has a city-wide advertising contract with the council, is on the hunt for the “first ever brand to advertise on the Edinburgh Trams”.

Financial projections agreed before the trams’ launch said advertising in its first year should generate £209,000.

The service is almost two years old and has yet to carry any adverts – with no clear reason given for the delay.

Now a post on the social media page of a senior member of staff at JCDecaux hints things may be picking up.

The statement, posted on networking site LinkedIn last week, reads: “After much anticipation I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that we are open for business on taking your brand to the Edinburgh masses through tram advertising.

“Be big, be bold, be seen, be the most talked about brand in town. Be the first ever brand to advertise on the Edinburgh Trams. To get on board, get in touch.”

We previously told how a full wraparound advert on one of the city’s trams is likely to cost around £70,000 per year.

A council spokeswoman said: “It is in the council’s best interests to start securing tram advertising revenue as soon as possible and we look forward to further progress being made.”