Edinburgh Trams: The History and Development of the CAF Fleet
The modernization of Edinburgh's urban transport saw the introduction of a bespoke tram system designed to navigate the city's unique landscape. Central to this project was the procurement of a specialized fleet of vehicles capable of meeting rigorous local requirements, leading to a partnership with one of Europe's leading rail manufacturers.
The Procurement Process
In November 2007, the contract to construct a fleet of 27 trams for the Phase 1a and Phase 1b lines was awarded to CAF, a Spanish rail equipment manufacturer. The contract was valued at up to £40 million.
The selection process was highly competitive. CAF was chosen via a tender process that included three other major rail vehicle manufacturers: Alstom, Bombardier, and Siemens. A critical factor in the procurement was the requirement for a highly bespoke design; Transport Initiatives Edinburgh issued specifications that precluded the use of any existing, off-the-shelf designs, ensuring the fleet was tailored specifically for the city.
Public Engagement and Mockups
To build public anticipation and gather feedback, full-size mockups of the tram's front were created. One replica was initially displayed on Princes Street before being relocated to Constitution Street at the foot of Leith Walk in April 2009. Additionally, a separate mockup was placed at the Gyle Shopping centre next to the bus stop to ensure visibility across different parts of the city.
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Delivery and Operational Timeline
The first completed tram was delivered on April 26, 2010. It was presented to the public on April 28, 2010, at the same Princes Street location where the earlier mockup had stood. By November 2010, the vehicle was moved to open storage in Broxburn.
The delivery of the rolling stock occurred well before the supporting infrastructure—including the home depot—was finished. The project faced significant challenges, including serious cost over-runs and delays in infrastructure completion. Despite these hurdles, the tramway officially opened on May 31, 2014, with a subsequent extension opening in June 2023.
Key Facts
- Manufacturer: CAF (Spain).
- Fleet Size: 27 trams.
- Contract Value: Up to £40 million.
- Design: Fully bespoke specifications; no existing designs were used.
- Opening Date: May 31, 2014.
- Extension Date: June 2023.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Contract Award Date | November 2007 |
| Competing Manufacturers | Alstom, Bombardier, Siemens |
| First Tram Delivery | April 26, 2010 |
| Initial Route Phases | Phase 1a and Phase 1b |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactured the Edinburgh trams?
The trams were manufactured by the Spanish rail equipment company CAF.
Why wasn't an existing tram design used?
Transport Initiatives Edinburgh issued highly bespoke specifications that required a custom design, which precluded the use of any existing models from the manufacturers.
When did the Edinburgh tramway first open to the public?
The tramway officially opened on May 31, 2014.
Which other companies bid for the tram contract?
In addition to CAF, the competitive tender included bids from Alstom, Bombardier, and Siemens.
Were there any delays in the project?
Yes, the infrastructure and the home depot suffered from serious delays and cost over-runs, resulting in the first trams being delivered years before the system was operational.