Free buses and more trams to overhaul Edinburgh transport

A free ‘hopper’ bus and an extended tram line are being planned to transform public transport in Edinburgh.The city council has published a ten-year vision to “create a city centre that truly puts people first”.The free bus would take passengers around the city centre, while the tram route would head over North Bridge towards the BioQuarter and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.Under the plans, the council hopes to reduce city centre traffic by up to 30 per cent by treating cars as “guests” in a “pedestrian priority zone”.Prominent parts of the Old Town will be completely closed to traffic, including Victoria Street, Cockburn Street and a longer stretch of the Royal Mile.Waverley Bridge could become a vehicle-free plaza and a “centrepiece” bridge could be built for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting the Old Town and the New Town.Car parking would be gradually reduced across the city centre, with George Street, Victoria Street and Cockburn Street losing parking space altogether.There are also plans for remaining parking areas to be subject to a trial of a “parking free day” – where existing spaces are used for alternative uses one day per week.The proposals will go out for a public consultation for approval, subject to the thumbs up by the council’s transport and environment committee.