Tram-trains could expand Edinburgh public transport links on rarely-used South Suburban Line

Plans for tram-trains to run on the rarely-used South Suburban Line in Edinburgh are to be explored in a new study.

The line is currently used for heavy goods trains to bypass the busy city centre and has no regular passenger services.

However, there are plans to utilise the railway line to extend the Edinburgh tram network.

Transport bosses have previously unveiled several possible extensions to the current network, including a tram-train extension along the South Suburban Line.

These tram-trains are specifically designed to seamlessly transition between tram and railway tracks and are used in places such as Sheffield, Alicante and Nantes.

The proposals would see 12 new stations built, including in Tynecastle, Craiglockhart, Morningside, Portobello and Cameron Toll.

The tram-trains would physically switch from tram to train tracks at new junctions near Murrayfield Stadium and Leith Walk.

Transport Scotland has announced that a feasibility study will be carried out in collaboration with Network Rail to assess whether passenger services can be introduced, utilising tram-trains.

A spokesperson said: “We are working with Network Rail to carry out a high level feasibility study for the potential use of tram-trains on the South Suburban line in Edinburgh.

“The study will identify practical challenges and opportunities, and inform and supplement the wider regional mass transit appraisal.

“We expect the study report to be completed within this financial year.”

The South Suburban Line was closed to passenger services in 1967and reverted to a heavy freight bypass around the city centre, as it was originally built in the 1880s.

The study should be completed by the end of March 2027.