Tram passengers set to break 3 million mark
It means the network – which launched on May 31 – is far outpacing by a quarter early projections that it would carry 4.5m passengers in year one – creating income of £7.9m.
And new figures also reveal that 3m more journeys were taken on Lothian Buses this year despite fears the tram line would plunder passengers from its more established rival.
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Hide AdBut with bosses so far refusing to reveal how many passengers are concessionary fares – such as pensioners who travel free – question marks hang over how much cash the network is generating.
In August, the News revealed how the city is forking out nearly £16,000 a day to cover interest fees on the loan deals signed to deliver the tram project. It means the Capital is being saddled with a £5.8m annual bill to pay off the interest on borrowing for the £776m network before making any dent reimbursing actual loans.