Heriot-Watt students campaign to reopen historic rail route

A team of Edinburgh students from Heriot-Watt university are campaigning to reopen an Edinburgh rail route that has been out of service for over 60 years.

The proposed South Surburban Line would see a “new transport corridor” created, serving south Edinburgh neighbourhoods and integrating into the existing tram network.

The project was started by a group of six Heriot-Watt engineering students and involved a public survey and petition, both revealing significant support for the proposal.

Opened in 1884, the line – commonly known as the Sub – closed to timetabled passenger services in 1962, it has since been used for freight transportation. Spanning 12.3km from Murrayfield to Portobello, the line passes through some of Edinburgh’s most populated residential areas including Morningside, Newington and Gorgie.

The proposed route (orange) passes through many of Edinburgh’s most populated neighbourhoods

The students hope that if implemented the new route would reduce congestion in residential areas, connect communities with low access to public transport, and help the city achieve its green initiatives faster with one of the team members, final year MEng civil engineering student Corey Boyle saying: “It is a low-carbon and viable transport option that would see greater connections between homes in the south of the city with the city centre and beyond”.

Calls for the route, which is still used for freight trains, to be reopened for civilian use have been tabled before, but ultimately scrapped due to high costs. However, it is expected that with Edinburgh’s growing population demand for public transport will continue to increase, making the route more viable.

Most Read

Good lord, Bonnie Blue opened up about what Beavo was like in bed and I’m traumatised

Reporters issue apology after backlash following ‘rude’ Grammys interview with Babyface

Love Island winner claims his entire relationship was faked following pressure to stay with ex

Edinburgh City Council’s Transport and Environmental Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson thanked the students for organising the petition and supported calls for Edinburgh to have an interconnected public transport system.

He said: “The South Suburban Railway network has been an issue that has appeared many times over the years and represents a potential future opportunity for development.

“Edinburgh requires an efficient, innovative and interconnected public transport system to allow us to deal with projected population growth, fulfil our climate responsibilities, drive economic growth, and accelerate developments to respond to our housing emergency.

“I’ve been clear that the North-South tram route is a key part of this and I’m looking forward to seeing the final Strategic Business Case when it is ultimately presented to committee. In addition, we are working with partners on how a North-South tram route can connect with other public transport options across the city and the surrounding local authorities and South Suburban Railway is part of this.

“We’ll continue to keep Edinburgh moving and encourage all our residents and visitors to use public transport wherever possible.”

Images via Heriot-Watt.