The Scottish Government is to provide a further £5.6m for Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams in response to the ongoing financial impacts of the pandemic.
Transport Scotland said the announcement follows ongoing discussions with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and Edinburgh Trams and that the latest bailout brings the total light rail support available to over £34m.
Minister for transport Graeme Dey said: ‘Public transport systems in our two biggest cities play a vital role in keeping Scotland moving safely, while physical distancing requirements mean capacity on public transport remains reduced. Our support to date has enabled Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams to carry over four million trips since July 2020.
‘This additional funding until the end of September will enable transport to support the pandemic response set out in our updated Strategic Framework as well as our overarching aim to suppress the virus to a level consistent with alleviating its harms while we recover and rebuild for a better future.
‘I thank everyone working across the light rail sector who continue to provide services under challenging circumstances.’
Transport for Edinburgh chief executive George Lowder said: ‘We’re beginning to see some signs of recovery in public transport patronage in the city. To support this, we are operating a normal tram timetable, which also helps maintain physical distancing.
‘Many of our regular customers, however, continue to work from home, international and domestic air travel is still significantly curtailed and hospitality, retail and sport have not fully opened up, so this additional funding is greatly appreciated until the UK, and beyond, continue to ease restrictions and return to the new different.’
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