This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6350257.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Row over free tram travel plans Row over free tram travel plans
(about 5 hours later)
A £600m scheme to reintroduce trams to Edinburgh is facing a significant new financial problem.A £600m scheme to reintroduce trams to Edinburgh is facing a significant new financial problem.
The viability of the planned operation relies on a concessionary bus fares scheme for pensioners and disabled people being extended to the trams.The viability of the planned operation relies on a concessionary bus fares scheme for pensioners and disabled people being extended to the trams.
Glasgow MSPs said if the scheme, which attracts a Scottish Executive subsidy, was extended to trams it must also be introduced on the city's underground.Glasgow MSPs said if the scheme, which attracts a Scottish Executive subsidy, was extended to trams it must also be introduced on the city's underground.
The SNP claimed the extra costs of this move would be unaffordable.The SNP claimed the extra costs of this move would be unaffordable.
The Scottish Executive is expected to give its views on the business case for the trams in the next few weeks but a decision on extending the fares scheme could take a year.The Scottish Executive is expected to give its views on the business case for the trams in the next few weeks but a decision on extending the fares scheme could take a year.
The plan to bring trams back to the capital for the first time in half a century has been approved by MSPs and councillors in Edinburgh.The plan to bring trams back to the capital for the first time in half a century has been approved by MSPs and councillors in Edinburgh.
One route would be west to east, linking the capital's airport with the Firth of Forth shore. The first phase will run on a route from Leith to Edinburgh Airport, via the city centre.
A second route is also planned to go from Ocean Terminal in Leith to the city centre. The second phase would serve the Granton area of the city, connecting it to the city centre through Craigleith and Roseburn.
Free travelFree travel
The start of construction work has been fixed provisionally for April next year, with services to begin running in 2010 or 2011.The start of construction work has been fixed provisionally for April next year, with services to begin running in 2010 or 2011.
The executive has already committed £450m for both lines.The executive has already committed £450m for both lines.
However, it has emerged that the business plan is based on the free travel concessions being extended to the trams.However, it has emerged that the business plan is based on the free travel concessions being extended to the trams.
The tram operator would receive a subsidy from the executive for all trips made by concessionary passengers, as bus companies do at the moment.The tram operator would receive a subsidy from the executive for all trips made by concessionary passengers, as bus companies do at the moment.
Labour MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, Bill Butler, said if the concessionary scheme was extended to the trams, it would be only fair for the underground in Glasgow to also be included.Labour MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, Bill Butler, said if the concessionary scheme was extended to the trams, it would be only fair for the underground in Glasgow to also be included.
Glasgow Springburn Labour MSP Paul Martin and Alastair Watson, chairman of the underground operator SPT, also pressed for the extension.Glasgow Springburn Labour MSP Paul Martin and Alastair Watson, chairman of the underground operator SPT, also pressed for the extension.
The SNP's Kenny McAskill said that with 13 million subway journeys annually, the extra cost would be significant and unaffordable.The SNP's Kenny McAskill said that with 13 million subway journeys annually, the extra cost would be significant and unaffordable.
A spokeswoman for Transport Scotland said there would be no review of the concessionary fares scheme until next year and no changes made before 2009.A spokeswoman for Transport Scotland said there would be no review of the concessionary fares scheme until next year and no changes made before 2009.