One Direction gig gives Edinburgh trams 10k boost

Edinburgh’s trams carried a record 27,000 passengers yesterday, boosted by more than 10,000 One Direction fans heading to and from BT Murrayfield stadium, officials revealed today.

One Direction fans wait for a tram to stop after the band's gig at Murrayfield Stadium. Picture: Lisa Ferguson

Tuesday’s figure was 2,000 more than that on Saturday’s launch day, and brings the total for the first four days of operation to 85,000.

A spokesman for Edinburgh Trams tweeted last night: “That’s everyone cleared from Murrayfield as of 11:45. Full trams for two solid hours both directions. 10,000 passengers at least leaving.”

However, critics have questioned how many passengers have simply switched from Lothian Buses, the city’s main operator.

No major problems have been reported, although there have been complaints from residents about the loudness of announcements at tram stops.

There were also faults on Saturday with some ticket machines, minor signalling delays, and CCTV and electrical problems on two trams.

The 8.5 mile line between Edinburgh Airport and York Place in the city centre cost £776 million, and was completed three years late and £200m over budget because of a major construction dispute and other difficulties.

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