‘Not enough shelter’ at city tram stops say critics

While the system boasts state-of-the-art trams that, in just over a year’s time, will speed people across the capital, those waiting to board will be offered little protection from the elements, it is feared.

Passenger watchdogs, elderly people’s groups and planning experts said the tall, thin design of the glass and steel shelters was inadequate for people who will have to wait up to ten minutes for a tram.

Edinburgh Airport chiefs are also understood to have had misgivings about the narrow width of the shelter at the tram terminus there.

However, the city council said a tram would always be there for immediate boarding.

The shelters on the eight-mile route to the city centre are 8ft wide and between 13ft and 40ft long, with longer ones at the airport and Haymarket.

Stops with the smallest shelters include Ingliston park and ride, the Gyle shopping centre, Edinburgh Park, Bankhead, Saughton and Balgreen.

The shelters are also less enclosed than many at bus stops or on railway platforms. Watchdog body Bus Users Scotland said the shelters would give a poor first impression of the tram system and could deter potential passengers.

Senior officer Gavin Booth said: “If people are to be attracted to public transport, the whole experience has to be right. A cold, wet passenger is less likely to consider the public transport option again.”

An Age Scotland spokesman said: “They do look stylish but don’t seem to offer much protection from the horizontal rain that drives across the Central Belt.” The council’s opposition Conservative group called for a rethink. Transport spokeswoman Joanna Mowat said: “The tram stops appear to have been designed for a sunnier climate. Given the exposed nature of some of the western parts of the route, the shelters will make tram stops unwelcoming places to wait in bad weather.”