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Since the closure of the Edinburgh tramway network in 1956 there have been a number of attempts to reinstate a tramway system and with the announcement by the Scottish Executive in March 2003 of a GBP375 million investment in public transport improvements for Edinburgh, which would fund at least one, and possibly two, of the 3 proposed tram routes, the possibility of a modern tramway system in Edinburgh now looks better than it has for 50 years.

The tramway proposals are being progressed by 'tie' (transport initiatives edinburgh) which is an arm’s length Council-owned company. It will deliver a number of major public transport schemes in and around Edinburgh in the next 10-15 years, including the tram network, the West Edinburgh Guided Busway and a heavy rail link to Edinburgh airport.

The lines proposed are:

Line One: Northern Line
- A North Edinburgh loop connecting the city with Leith, Newhaven and Granton and passing through the Waterfront development area.
Line Two: Western Line
- The Western Corridor from the city centre to the Gyle, Edinburgh Park, the Airport with a possible extension to Livingston and South Queensferry.
Line Three: The South Edinburgh Corridor
- This will run between the city centre and the South-East Wedge development area, including the new Royal Infirmary and possibly extending to Straiton and Penicuik.

tie has set up a 'tramtime' website (see link below), which gives details and maps of lines 1 & 2. It has also details of the public consultation which runs from May 14th to June 10th 2003. This consultation includes a number of alternatives including the preference of using Princes Street or George Street for the central area operation.