Passenger satisfaction with Edinburgh Trams rises to 97 per cent

Passenger satisfaction with Edinburgh Trams increased by 2 percentage points to 97 per cent, an independent poll by watchdog Transport Focus showed today.

An Edinburgh Tram at York Place. Picture: Greg Macvean

The service came equal second best among six cities covered in the survey, with satisfaction levels five points above the average.

Transport Focus said improvements made by the operator since it first surveyed Edinburgh Trams last year included better ticket-buying facilities.

Edinburgh Trams general manager Lea Harrison said: “The findings of this survey are very encouraging, especially as they are consistent with where we believe our strengths are and in the areas for improvement.

“We have already introduced a return ticket to improve convenience and reduce waiting times.

“Our other major priority is to introduce extra and faster services, and we have already begun assessing various options, with the aim of introducing a new timetable before the end of 2016.

“This feedback is a great reward for all the staff that have put in so much effort to make the trams an excellent way of travelling through the city.”

City council transport convener Lesley Hinds said: “These are outstanding results and everyone at Edinburgh Trams should be very proud to have achieved such impressive passenger satisfaction ratings year on year.

“The survey demonstrates that the travelling public have really embraced tram travel in the capital and that trams are now a much valued component in the city’s transport network.”

Transport Focus interviewed 734 passengers in Edinburgh between last September and November.

Tram systems in Blackpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Sheffield were also surveyed.

Scotsman Food & Drink: ideas, inspiration and guides