Scotland’s capital could finally be connected with its neighbour across the Forth as the current Edinburgh City Council transport and environment convener teases the idea of resurrecting forgotten ferry plans.
Councillor Scott Arthur says that the new ambitious public transport plan to introduce a ferry connecting Edinburgh with Fife could be put forward by the current minority administration later this year. The councillor, who represents the Colinton, Oxgangs and Fairmilehead ward, says that a plan to introduce a ferry that would connect both communities would go a long way to helping Edinburgh meet its Net Zero and traffic reduction targets.
The plans could follow the local authority’s current plans to extent Edinburgh tram and bus systems to neighbouring councils. Fifteen years have passed since the idea of a hovercraft was touted by businesses and politicians alike but unfortunately plans always seemed to hit a dead end - despite the best efforts of Stagecoach boss Brian Soutar.
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Several trials were held between Kirkcaldy and Portobello but the idea failed to win the hearts and minds of Edinburgh City Councillors. But on the plans to introduce a ferry link, councillor Arthur said that he had been inspired by the amazing links between New York and Staten Island.
He said: “I am absolutely committed to meeting Edinburgh’s Net Zero and traffic reduction targets. A big part of this will be expanding Edinburgh’s tram system and introducing new bus lanes to help people of neighbouring local authorities get into Edinburgh.
“In addition to these quite sensible measures, I am keen to look at more speculative options like a ferry link to Fife.
"I see this as an early economic benefit of the Tram to Newhaven, and a chance to take some commuting traffic off the road. Council officers are looking at the practicalities, and I am due to have a political meeting with Fife councillors next month.
“I’m interested to understand what the climate emissions savings would be, and if it could compete with the train in terms of ticket price and travel time. I was in New York a few years ago, and could see how well the Staten Island Ferry worked for both commuters and tourist.
"I think we could do something similar, but with better views.”
Let us know your thoughts on a potential ferry link between Edinburgh and Fife as well as if you would like to see a revival of the hovercraft plan in the comments section below.
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