ETI-8
Response
Accepted in Part
Update Optimism Bias Guidance
Recommendation
Optimism bias guidance, based on decades-old data, requires updating to include light rail projects and reflect current empirical evidence, with reviews every five years.
Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
- In November 2023, the Scottish Government stated it already operates in line with best practices but would consider updating guidance (Transport Secretary Statement on Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report, Scottish Government, 2 November 2023).
- No published update to optimism bias guidance incorporating light rail project data or reflecting current empirical evidence has been identified to March 2026.
- No published update to optimism bias guidance incorporating light rail project data or reflecting current empirical evidence has been identified to March 2026.
Sources
How was this evidence gathered?
Evidence searched by Claude (Anthropic) on 10 Apr 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
Jurisdiction
Scotland
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in Part
Accepted in Part
Scottish Government
02 Nov 2023
The Scottish Government stated it already operates in line with best practices but will consider updating guidance. Source: Transport Secretary Statement, 2 November 2023.
Progress Timeline
Official Report
02 Nov 2023
Initial status based on Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council responses to the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry Report (September 2023).
Responsible Bodies
Scottish Government
Primary
Themes & Tags
Recommendation age
2.8 yrs
Last formal update
941 days ago