Trial runs of the first of Edinburgh’s new trams started today on the test track at the network’s Gogar depot.

The 500m track, which will ultimately form part of the route, is being used to test the trams at speeds of up to 50km/h before they are brought into service when the network is scheduled to open in summer 2014.

Static testing has been ongoing on the five trams currently housed inside the depot since the first of the vehicles was delivered on 17th October. The remainder of the 27-strong fleet will be delivered in stages over the course of 2012.

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The council officially takes control of the depot building later this week following an event to mark the handover on Thursday.

Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, transport convenor, visited the depot today to witness testing first hand.

"With work progressing along the length of the route from next month, there is little doubt that the project has gained momentum in recent weeks," he said.

"I'm sure that the first sight of trams being tested will come as a welcome boost to the people of Edinburgh - as it has for me today."

(GK)