In Scottish News #4

I read an article titled "Nathan Goode: Trams just start for sustainable city," found in the Scottish magazine The Scotsman, it can be found HERE.

This article discusses the new sustainable tram system just completed in Edinburgh, Scotland. Though residents had seen the cost of this project increase and the completion date moved back repeatedly, the tramway project is finally complete. Edinburgh is Scotland's capital city and, until now, has not delivered European standards of infrastructure. There is currently only one line linking Edinburgh Airport with York Place; expansion of the tramway system is imperative. Edinburgh looks toward a future that is both business friendly and sustainable with this tram system. The author believes that Edinburgh has an opportunity to become a world leader in sustainability, but for this to be achieved, everyone must support a vision for a sustainable and effective transport infrastructure.

Some economic benefits of the tram system are discussed in the article. One of these benefits is to the communities situate close to the line as these areas could become "investment nodes," spurred by the creation of a 21st-century transport system. I think this is similar to the cities that benefited from the creation of the shipping container. Cities that were ideal to set up ports made for the new shipping containers benefited as more business and goods were passed through the city. On a smaller scale, communities along the tram line will likely benefit from increased passenger and business traffic passing through their area. The article also mentioned how residents will benefit. Residents who suffered the effects of construction work will likely see their property prices and transport options increase. The council in Edinburgh will also be able to have more flexibility in regenerating areas forgotten and neglected through tram line creation. Another beneficial effect not mentioned in the article is the benefit to the environment. The tram is an efficient from of public transportation that reduces the overall effect of Edinburgh on the environment. As Edinburgh creates more tram lines they will connect more areas of the city. This will allow for people to get from one area to another easily and cheaply, fostering business and market growth.

Though the tram system seems largely beneficial to Edinburgh, there are some problems that could arise. The cost and time used on the first tram line were much larger than originally expected. The city may not have the time or money to create the tram system necessary to benefit the entire city. To create an fully inclusive infrastructure system, more lines are necessary. As more lines are created, the positive effect on the environment will increase, and more residents and communities will benefit from the system. If Edinburgh is able to create more tram lines, the future of the city's infrastructure is bright.