Students from Heriot-Watt University are advocating for the reopening of the South Suburban Line to enhance Edinburgh’s transport network.
Edinburgh: Students are calling to reopen a historic rail route. This line last served the city over 60 years ago. It’s an exciting idea for many locals.
A team from Heriot-Watt University is leading the charge. They want to integrate the South Suburban Line into the tram network. This could create a new transport corridor for the city.
They conducted a public survey, which showed strong support from residents. The line originally opened in 1994 but closed to passengers in 1962.
The South Suburban Line stretches 12.3 kilometers. It connects Murrayfield to Portobello, passing through several neighborhoods. Students believe it’s an underutilized asset.
Caitlin Cummings, a Civil Engineering student, is working on this project. She believes reopening the line will make travel easier and encourage people to use public transport.
There’s also a plan for a second phase. This would extend the line from Portobello to Leith using a disused railway. It aims to reduce road disruptions and environmental impact.
Corey Boyle, another student, explained their proposed system. It uses battery electric vehicles that can switch between battery and overhead lines. This keeps costs down and avoids obstacles like low bridges.
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson supports the students’ efforts. He believes an interconnected public transport system is essential for Edinburgh’s growth and climate goals.
He mentioned that the South Suburban Railway could be a future opportunity for development. The city needs efficient transport to handle population growth and housing needs.
Jenkinson is looking forward to the final plans for the North-South tram route. He emphasized the importance of public transport for residents and visitors alike.
