Tram passengers give Edinburgh line 99 per cent approval

Passengers have awarded Edinburgh Trams a near-perfect 99 per cent approval rating in an independent poll.

The satisfaction score is the highest recorded by passenger watchdog Transport Focus since it launched surveys of Britain’s tram networks in 2013.

However, value for money was put at 83 per cent, albeit one point up on 2015.

The overall figure will come as a major boost to the city council, which endured years of criticism for its handling of the £776 million scheme, which opened three years late and hugely over budget.

Edinburgh’s rating is two points higher than in 2015.

The survey involved 533 passengers last autumn.

Transport Focus director David Sidebottom said: “Tram travel is becoming a benchmark for excellence in transport success. Edinburgh Trams, in particular, should be rightly proud of its 99 per cent satisfaction score.”

Among the four English tram systems covered, Nottingham came closest at 97 per cent.

Blackpool Transport scored 95 per cent, Birminghambased Midland Metro 92 per cent, Sheffield Supertram 91 per cent and Manchester Metrolink 90 per cent.

Satisfaction with punctuality in Edinburgh was up one point to 94 per cent, and with journey time was up three points to 92 per cent.

Transport Focus chair Jeff Halliwell said: “Edinburgh Trams has achieved the best ever result for any network surveyed in the survey, with a near perfect score.

“Passengers rated it highly for journey experience, value for money, punctuality and their experience waiting at tram stops.”

The eight-mile line between Edinburgh Airport and York Place in the city centre opened in 2014.

Edinburgh Trams managing director Lea Harrison said: “This is brilliant news and a fantastic testament to the efforts of our staff.

“Day in, day out, the staff provide an excellent service to our customers, and this survey is recognition for all that they do.

“The satisfaction rating is 2 per cent up on the previous year, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

“To come out as the top operator and to have a near-perfect satisfaction rating is superb, but we must ensure we maintain our performance levels and must not become complacent.”