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West Lothian buses

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smtglasgow

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Don’t want to go off into too much speculation, but the Edinburgh bus market is far more lucrative than the West Lothian one. The West Lothian market is also saturated – whatever happens between First and LCB, I think we’re past peak bus war. But Edinburgh is a vibrant city with a strong economy and strong tourist market. There’s an opening for *somebody* to try something different. Tbh I’m surprised Stagecoach haven’t tried their luck in the past. Regardless of what’s going on in West Lothian, I reckon something like a Heriott Watt to Eastfield run (covering bits of the 25 and 26), maybe just running 7 till 7, would be profitable. There’s a few other corridors would work. Not saying that First (or anyone else) would go for it, but the lack of competition in Edinburgh has made Lothian complacent. There’s an opening for anyone brave enough to try.
 

Jordan Adam

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Don’t want to go off into too much speculation, but the Edinburgh bus market is far more lucrative than the West Lothian one. The West Lothian market is also saturated – whatever happens between First and LCB, I think we’re past peak bus war. But Edinburgh is a vibrant city with a strong economy and strong tourist market. There’s an opening for *somebody* to try something different. Tbh I’m surprised Stagecoach haven’t tried their luck in the past. Regardless of what’s going on in West Lothian, I reckon something like a Heriott Watt to Eastfield run (covering bits of the 25 and 26), maybe just running 7 till 7, would be profitable. There’s a few other corridors would work. Not saying that First (or anyone else) would go for it, but the lack of competition in Edinburgh has made Lothian complacent. There’s an opening for anyone brave enough to try.

I agree, i know some on here want to see the continued beating of a dead fish. However the future is pretty clear for me and we're definitely past the "peak" of war. I know these words will anger some, but it's clear First have won - i personally don't even think that's up for debate at this point although i know others disagree. That's my opinion anyway, i try and keep as balanced as possibly, however it's hard to when the obvious is right in your face. The fact is that First are slowly gaining ground while Lothian are retracting. The fact Lothian didn't even bid for the 20 is a surprise though, you'd have thought give there's a bus war going on to the west of the city that they'd do all they could to protect their network.

If First are to try a route within Edinburgh then they'll probably stay safe. and try something that would fit in with the 20/X22/X23/X24/X25/X38/63.
 

TheEastCoaster

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If First were to tap into an Edinburgh network then creating new links is the best way to go, if the 20/63 are in their grasps then who knows how that will go!

As much of an LCB loyalist as I am this bus war is extremely fascinating, just a shame LCB didn’t get the 20/63 first hand but what can you do!
 

ScotRail158725

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If First were to tap into an Edinburgh network then creating new links is the best way to go, if the 20/63 are in their grasps then who knows how that will go!

As much of an LCB loyalist as I am this bus war is extremely fascinating, just a shame LCB didn’t get the 20/63 first hand but what can you do!
i would have said LC is a better option for the 20/63 that Lothian because they could change beyond the A8 where the skylinks leave to LC to country price and it would make Queensferry/Kirkliston fully LCB instead of LC/LB mix
 

ScotRail158725

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I agree, i know some on here want to see the continued beating of a dead fish. However the future is pretty clear for me and we're definitely past the "peak" of war. I know these words will anger some, but it's clear First have won - i personally don't even think that's up for debate at this point although i know others disagree. That's my opinion anyway, i try and keep as balanced as possibly, however it's hard to when the obvious is right in your face. The fact is that First are slowly gaining ground while Lothian are retracting. The fact Lothian didn't even bid for the 20 is a surprise though, you'd have thought give there's a bus war going on to the west of the city that they'd do all they could to protect their network.

If First are to try a route within Edinburgh then they'll probably stay safe. and try something that would fit in with the 20/X22/X23/X24/X25/X38/63.
have the WL tenders been decides yet? X40 could be a way for first to get into Edinburgh
 

PaulMc7

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I think it's definitely been an interesting battle between First and Lothian and there's plenty more to come in it. Will be interesting to see how the fare reduction from First affects things too. I do think Edinburgh as a city has enough to allow both companies to do well in it too and taking advantage of the areas with no train access will definitely be key
 

overthewater

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For Lothian not even bothering to put in a bid you have to wonder.. Would LCB take it on commercial? if they did it would mean the fare could go up. Once again First is give people even better vaule weekly tickets.

have the WL tenders been decides yet? X40 could be a way for first to get into Edinburgh

There have NOT even been sent out to tender yet. No idea why the delay.


I think it's definitely been an interesting battle between First and Lothian and there's plenty more to come in it. Will be interesting to see how the fare reduction from First affects things too. I do think Edinburgh as a city has enough to allow both companies to do well in it too and taking advantage of the areas with no train access will definitely be key

That isn't were the battle is taking place.
 

PaulMc7

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For Lothian not even bothering to put in a bid you have to wonder.. Would LCB take it on commercial? if they did it would mean the fare could go up. Once again First is give people even better vaule weekly tickets.



There have NOT even been sent out to tender yet. No idea why the delay.




That isn't were the battle is taking place.

Becoming a part of it though and it's where a good few of the West Lothian services go so can't really exclude it
 

overthewater

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Livingston has a lot of industrial estates with no or very little bus services going through them. A lot of people took the First X23 from Craigshill to Houston but that has also been axed. Sky/Cadence has a lot of offices and the traffic going there is horrendous in the mornings but yet no bus services now except the First 600 and 21. I have always thought there was plenty of potential to these places over the years, but no one seems to bother to test the waters to these or the other industrial estates. Therefore the car is essential if you work there.

LCB did have a route and then curtailed it away. I agree with you there is potential but its needs someone to try.

At least we know how they plan to replace some of the B7RLEs.... Will be interesting to see what First use on the routes.

Surprised it's not been mentioned on here yet but First have a major fares revision next month with pretty much every price reduced. They've also got a new "Edinburgh City Zone" ticket...

https://www.firstgroup.com/south-ea...dates/planned-changes/first-west-lothian-fare

Its a win win, everyone benefits from the cheaper prices, and we might even see more new users. Plus it continues to highlight issues with LCB over the lackluster approach
 

etetetetet

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Well, it kinda sucks the 63 has went to First, for me anyway considering I use it everyday. Since I still have my ridacard I'll probably be using the 36 a lot more...

If I didn't get the blasted ridacard for free First could easily tempt me t their sides
 

Driver362

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Whilst I agree with the points mentioned to an extent. But, let's not kid ourselves of first caring in the community. If LC hadn't shown up first would still be charging ridiculous fares. If they can do it now why not in the past pre lc
 

overthewater

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Its £7.00 for two zones (new West Lothian zone). Weekly and above cheaper.

IS he not on about the Student ticket?


Whilst I agree with the points mentioned to an extent. But, let's not kid ourselves of first caring in the community. If LC hadn't shown up first would still be charging ridiculous fares. If they can do it now why not in the past pre lc

A: either first is doing to this to push LCB out for good
B: Bright bus is generating enough profit to help pay for these cuts

YES, --- BIG IF, LCB disappears out of West lothian I dread to think what might be coming from first.
 

Baileygirl

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IS he not on about the Student ticket?
Yes the student ticket is £4.00 for the new West Lothian zone.

See under adult West Lothian Zone for the £7.00 day ticket. An adult £4.00 day ticket is for Livingston Local Zone and Edinburgh City Zone. It is a bit confusing the way they have shown it with new zone areas. The £18.00 weekly covers both zones so a saving of £6.00 for Livingston to Edinburgh but the same price in present zone L (West Lothian). I see a child day ticket can be purchased for the New West Lothian zone something which has been missing in their present day ticket scheme.

I wonder how the singles are going to work, are they being put up to the nearest fare I.E. £160 to £1.70, £2.10 to £2.70 or are they bringing some fares down?
 

Observer

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To think there were people saying LCB would tender for the 63 when the chance came and Lothian didn't want to put in for the tenders to begin with....
 

Baileygirl

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First bus fights back!

https://www.firstgroup.com/south-ea...dates/planned-changes/first-west-lothian-fare


Absolute Game Changer for me, £4 for a day pass between Livingston and Edinburgh!
I wonder how much the student day ticket will be abused. It does not appear you have to prove you are a student when you buy tickets on the First app. They are stopping the return tickets due to abuse. Unless the driver notices it's a return ticket and tears off the code it can be used again after a couple of minutes.
 

Jordan Adam

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I wonder how much the student day ticket will be abused. It does not appear you have to prove you are a student when you buy tickets on the First app. They are stopping the return tickets due to abuse. Unless the driver notices it's a return ticket and tears off the code it can be used again after a couple of minutes.

Return tickets have likely gone because FSE are looking to introduce Tap & Cap soon.
 

jb66

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22 Mar 2015
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Its £7.00 for two zones (new West Lothian zone). Weekly and above cheaper.

I dont understand the price page, it says L/M day ticket £4 I read that as travelling in L and M.

I have a NUS card so could blag being a student
 

Baileygirl

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livingston
So the 63 would not fit in as a LC service if the fares from Kirkliston to past the airport would be £2.80 on X38 and £1.80 on 63.
They may put the busy part of the route from South Queensferry to Riccarton as a LC commercial route and charge the higher fares.
 
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