Scotland Lib Dems Prioritize Bus Over Tram Expansion

Lib Dems prioritize bus services over Edinburgh's proposed Granton-Royal Infirmary tram

Edinburgh Tram Expansion Not Priority, Lib Dems Say

Edinburgh's proposed North-South tramline won't be a priority for the Scottish Liberal Democrats if they're elected to the new parliament, party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said Friday. The party's launching its manifesto ahead of May 7, 2026 Holyrood elections with a focus on protecting bus services instead of tram expansion. Cole-Hamilton emphasized that Edinburgh has "other public transport needs right now" before considering the Granton-to-Royal Infirmary tramline.

Bus Network Takes Priority Over Rail Expansion

The Liberal Democrats are focusing on reversing Scotland's decline in bus ridership, which has dropped by 100 million journeys since the pandemic, according to Cole-Hamilton. The party's manifesto doesn't include any funding allocation for the proposed tramline in its spending proposals. Cole-Hamilton, who's standing for re-election in Edinburgh North Western, referenced the city's troubled tram history with "once bitten, twice shy." He led the successful campaign for the north Edinburgh airport bus link to address parking issues in Corstorphine.

Manifesto Outlines Transit Stance and Local Control

The manifesto launch took place Friday morning at the Edinburgh Food & Drink Academy in Queen Street, where Cole-Hamilton baked peach tarts to highlight the party's peach-colored regional list ballot paper. The Liberal Democrats have committed to protecting the Roseburn Path and won't dictate to their council groups on transport decisions, Cole-Hamilton said. Kevin Lang, the Lib Dem transport spokesman on Edinburgh council, stated last week that his group supports the tram's principle but requires "full openness and transparency" on costs and funding sources.

Timeline Remains Uncertain for Tram Project

Cole-Hamilton didn't rule out tram expansion indefinitely but said it may make sense "in time" given current public spending pressures. He emphasized the need to "win hearts and minds" and bring communities along, including protecting areas like the Roseburn Path and other natural heritage sites. The SNP manifesto, unveiled Thursday, promised a feasibility study on reopening Edinburgh's South Suburban rail line using tram-trains and stated that the Roseburn Path shouldn't be used for the new tramline.

What This Means for Edinburgh Riders

Riders who've been anticipating the North-South tramline expansion shouldn't expect progress if the Liberal Democrats form the next government. The party's prioritizing immediate bus service improvements over long-term rail projects. Cole-Hamilton said protecting Edinburgh's existing bus network must come first before considering tram expansion. Moovit provides real-time updates for Edinburgh's bus and tram services to help riders navigate current routes.