Lothian group (Network/Route Speculation)

[LothianBusesPh]

Anyone know if the renumbered 107 is going to keep the odd Dunbar journeys to Fort Kinnaird in the early evening?

The one journey from Dunbar to Fort Kinnaird has been withdrawn as of the next change.

I don't see them extending the 106 beyond the Royal Infirmary, as anyone could just swap over to an 8/24/33/38/49 from Royal Infirmary easily, and unless Prentice drop the 111 for whatever reason then I doubt we will see the 106 beyond Fort Kinnaird.

The reason I say that is because otherwise layovers would be too large. I living in East Lothian would also find it handy as I’m sure many other would.

I would also keep the 46/48 as they are with a frequency increase and an improved 46 service in the evening, follow your 30 suggestion and have some timings for connections in Fort Kinnaird.

Stoneybank are crying for a link to Edinburgh and keeping the current 46/48 might reduce passenger use and make it less viable. I notice you say extend the 15/45 which I was thinking something similar. I wasn’t proposing changes but rather showing what I was thinking without making a perfect solution first.

If Lothian wanted to bring the 45 back to QMU then we would of gotten it in the next change, heck they even had a chance with the 15, but my guess if they are still wanting folk to use the 4/30 instead.

The change for the 15/45 I suggested wasn’t meant for QMU as such but mainly for Stoneybank gaining extra links. It could follow the 46/48 from Lidl at Musselburgh.

 

[LothianLover88]

Apologies I didn't catch the 49 at the end. I think that is a poor decision as the 49 is already a busy route and if anything could have a frequency increase in the Leith area. If only there was a way to serve Newcraighall without going under the bridge, but there doesn't seem to be an area which would suit buses in a loop. I haven't quite thought of a great solution yet although I've experimented with the 2 being extended to Musselburgh via the old 30 route which I thought was almost perfect with the 48 going to The Jewel, though the 2 doesn't serve Princes Street. There would also be the issue that the 2 would become as busy on the eastern end as the 30 was which would make the route awkward.

I thought something with the 4 but the bridge ruins it. I thought running a loop from Newcraighall Junction via A1, QMU (terminus) and Stoneybank, but the 4 would have to serve the bridge. The closest we could get is extend the 4 from QMU to Newhailes Ind. Est. turning at the roundabout via Clayknowes Road and Newhailes Road, but that still doesn't serve Newcraighall. I don't even know if the roundabout is wide enough for deckers.

 

[SoloSR334022]

Since the new BZL's are coming in, I thought I'd have another crack at some LCB changes.

West Edinburgh Local Services

Service 70 - Revised route additional serve Ingliston P&R for more onward connections. Switched fully to single decker operation.

Service 71 - Single decker operation off-peak.

Service to/from the City of Edinburgh

Service 72 - Revised route to no longer serve Uphall Station and Pumpherston - See Service 75. Now serves Fastlink and Deer Park. Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X18 - Revised Route to serve Heartlands Services via Polkemmet Rd, Colliery Ln and Riggghouse Rd. Frequency increased to every 15 mins at peak times.

Service X27 - Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X28 - Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X40 - Later journeys introduced. Single Decker operation off-peak.

West Lothian local services

Service 73 - Revised route to serve Livingston Village and Eliburn between St. John's and Livingston North Stn.

Service 74 - No Changes.

NEW Service 75 - Broxburn, Hoban Sq to Blackridge via Broxburn - Strathbrock Centre, Uphall, Uphall Station, Pumpherston, Craigshill, Livingston Centre, Alderstone Rd, St. John's, Livingston North Stn, Deans South, Boghall, Bathgate, Armadale - Mill Rd, Blackridge.

 

[Lothianbus703]

Since the new BZL's are coming in, I thought I'd have another crack at some LCB changes.

West Edinburgh Local Services

Service 70 - Revised route additional serve Ingliston P&R for more onward connections. Switched fully to single decker operation.

Service 71 - Single decker operation off-peak.

Service to/from the City of Edinburgh

Service 72 - Revised route to no longer serve Uphall Station and Pumpherston - See Service 75. Now serves Fastlink and Deer Park. Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X18 - Revised Route to serve Heartlands Services via Polkemmet Rd, Colliery Ln and Riggghouse Rd. Frequency increased to every 15 mins at peak times.

Service X27 - Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X28 - Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X40 - Later journeys introduced. Single Decker operation off-peak.

West Lothian local services

Service 73 - Revised route to serve Livingston Village and Eliburn between St. John's and Livingston North Stn.

Service 74 - No Changes.

NEW Service 75 - Broxburn, Hoban Sq to Blackridge via Broxburn - Strathbrock Centre, Uphall, Uphall Station, Pumpherston, Craigshill, Livingston Centre, Alderstone Rd, St. John's, Livingston North Stn, Deans South, Boghall, Bathgate, Armadale - Mill Rd, Blackridge.

What single deckers?

 

[TheEastCoaster]

Since the new BZL's are coming in, I thought I'd have another crack at some LCB changes.

West Edinburgh Local Services

Service 70 - Revised route additional serve Ingliston P&R for more onward connections. Switched fully to single decker operation.

I think this might not be nessescsry since you could just connect at Gogar/Gyle/Ratho Station easily, it just adds the risk of running late.

Service 71 - Single decker operation off-peak.

I would probably add additional late journeys and revise the timetable to co-ordinate with the 72 also.

Service to/from the City of Edinburgh

Service 72 - Revised route to no longer serve Uphall Station and Pumpherston - See Service 75. Now serves Fastlink and Deer Park. Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

This could work, as long as Uphall and Pumpherston is still served, the 72 would probably be a more attractive service if it was much faster.

Service X18 - Revised Route to serve Heartlands Services via Polkemmet Rd, Colliery Ln and Riggghouse Rd. Frequency increased to every 15 mins at peak times.

Service X27 - Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X28 - Frequency increased to every 30 mins.

Service X40 - Later journeys introduced. Single Decker operation off-peak.

These could all be viable, especially the X40 getting more resources.

West Lothian local services

Service 73 - Revised route to serve Livingston Village and Eliburn between St. John's and Livingston North Stn.

I would maybe add a Sunday service?

Service 74 - No Changes.

Later journeys?

NEW Service 75 - Broxburn, Hoban Sq to Blackridge via Broxburn - Strathbrock Centre, Uphall, Uphall Station, Pumpherston, Craigshill, Livingston Centre, Alderstone Rd, St. John's, Livingston North Stn, Deans South, Boghall, Bathgate, Armadale - Mill Rd, Blackridge.

Is this terminus at Broxburn a one way loop? Otherwise I like this, if covers the loss of the 72 section and brings back a link from Livingston to Armadale/Blackridge.

 

[LothianBusesPh]

I don’t think it’s sensible to introduce single deckers for Lothian Country right now. By making the 70 fully single decks you in turn make the 71 fully single decks. Having a consistent fleet is probably the smartest idea.

You also have a problem that we don’t even have enough single decker sat this time for Lothian Country to receive any.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I don’t think it’s sensible to introduce single deckers for Lothian Country right now. By making the 70 fully single decks you in turn make the 71 fully single decks. Having a consistent fleet is probably the smartest idea.

You also have a problem that we don’t even have enough single decker sat this time for Lothian Country to receive any.

Ideally Lothian Country would have a pretty decent fleet of single decks for a bigger network. The 70 and 71 using deckers while rationalising the fleet, is a total waste of a resource at the same time. The 70 is never that busy and the 71 would just about fill a single decker at busy times.

 

[SoloSR334022]

Is this terminus at Broxburn a one way loop? Otherwise I like this, if covers the loss of the 72 section and brings back a link from Livingston to Armadale/Blackridge.

Yes it is, although it covers the section that services 2A and 2B cover under tender.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Hi all. I thought I’d have a go at this again. This is NOT realistic but more a wishful end goal. Hope you enjoy my own Lothian Country network ideas:


Bold/Italic - Peak Time Extension/Certain Journeys Only.

PVR - Peak Vehicle Requirement


West Lothian

X17: Fauldhouse - Longridge - Whitburn Cross - East Whitburn - Blackburn Cross - Seafield - Livingston Village - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - Almondvale Roundabout - Almondvale Road Roundabout - The Centre - Craigshill - Fastlink - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - RBS Gogarburn - Edinburgh

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 5 hours
PVR: 10
Allocation: Volvo B5TL ADL Enviro400 mmc
Note: Frequency combined with Service X18 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh. Services’ X17, X18, X38 and X39 combined to offer an every 7.5 minutes service along the A8 corridor within Edinburgh.


X18: Heartlands Services - Rigghouse Road - Colliery Lane - Polkemmet Road - Whitburn Cross - Shanks Road - Armadale - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Dechmont - Uphall - Broxburn - RBS Gogarburn - Edinburgh

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 2 hours (approx.)
Circuit Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 9
Allocation: Volvo B5TL ADL Enviro400 mmc
Note: Frequency combined with Service X17 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh. Services’ X17, X18, X38 and X39 combined to offer an every 7.5 minutes service along the A8 corridor within Edinburgh.


X27: Heartlands Services - Rigghouse Road - Colliery Lane - Polkemmet Road - Whitburn Cross - Armadale Road - Shanks Road - East Whitburn - Blackburn Cross - Ash Grove - Seafield - Eliburn - St John’s Hospital - Howden East - The Centre - Dedridge North - Dedridge West - Dedridge East (W) - Dedridge East (E) - Main Street - Mid Calder - Calderwood - Camps - Wilkieston - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 2 hours (approx.)
Circuit Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 9
Allocation: Volvo B5TL ADL Enviro400 mmc
Note: Frequency combined with Service X28 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Edinburgh.


X28: Morrisons - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans North - Knightsridge West - Knightsridge East (E) - Ladywell East (E) - St John’s Hospital - Craigshill East - The Centre - Dedridge East (E) - Calder Park Road - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 2 hours 5 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 9
Allocation: Volvo B5TL ADL Enviro400 mmc
Note: Frequency combined with Service 74 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Deans and Livingston. Frequency also combined with Service X27 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Edinburgh.


X38: Linlithgow Bridge - Linlithgow Cross - Springfield - Kingscavil - Bridgend - Threemiletown - Winchburgh School Campus - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - RBS Gogarburn - Edinburgh

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 7
Allocation: Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse2
Note: Frequency combined with Service X39 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Linlithgow, Winchburgh, Kirkliston and Edinburgh. Services’ X17, X18, X38 and X39 combined to offer an every 7.5 minutes service along the A8 corridor within Edinburgh.


X39: Linlithgow Bridge - Linlithgow Cross - Philpstoun - Old Philpstoun - Winchburgh School Campus - Duntarvie Castle Road - Kirkliston - RBS Gogarburn - Edinburgh

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 7
Allocation: Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse2
Note: Frequency combined with Service X38 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Linlithgow, Winchburgh, Kirkliston and Edinburgh. Services’ X17, X18, X38 and X39 combined to offer an every 7.5 minutes service along the A8 corridor within Edinburgh.


X40: St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - College Roundabout - The Centre - ASDA - Calder Park Road - Mid Calder - Calderwood - Camps - Wilkieston - Hermiston P&R - Westside Plaza - Clovenstone - City Bypass - Gilmerton - Royal Infirmary

Frequency: Hourly
Service Length: 1 hour 25 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours
PVR: 3
Allocation: Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa


72: Murieston Valley - Murieston - Livingston South Station - Murieston East - Murieston West - Alderstone Road - Almondvale Roundabout - Almondvale Road Roundabout - The Centre - ASDA - Howden South - St John’s Hospital - Ladywell West - Knightsridge East (W) - Knightsridge East (E) - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh - Winchburgh School Campus - Duntarvie Castle Road - Kirkliston - Kirklands Park

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 7
Allocation: Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa


73: Bathgate Station - Bathgate - Morrisons - Wester Inch - Tesco - Blackburn Cross - Seafield - Shin-Etsu - Kirkton Campus (Sky TV) - Simpson Parkway - Rosebank Roundabout - Kirkton South - Almondvale Roundabout - Almondvale Road Roundabout - The Centre - ASDA - Craigshill - Grange Road - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 7
Allocation: Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa


74: Nellburn Roundabout - Deans South - Deans North - Carmondean Centre - Knightsridge West - Knightsridge East (E) - Ladywell East (E) - St John’s Hospital - Howden East - The Centre - Dedridge East (W) - Dedridge West - Brucefield Industry Park - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Blackburn Cross - Ash Grove - Tesco - Bathgate - Morrisons - Birniehill - M8 Junction 4 Distribution Centre

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 55 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 9
Allocation: Volvo B5TL Wright Gemini3
Note: Frequency combined with Service X28 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Deans and Livingston. Frequency also combined with Service 75 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Loganlea.


75: Blackridge - Drove Road - Armadale - Lower Bathville - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans South - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - College Roundabout - The Centre - Dedridge East (W) - Dedridge West - Brucefield Industry Park - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Stoneyburn - Bents - Burnhead Crossroads - Longridge - Eastfield Road - Fauldhouse

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 2 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 5 hours
PVR: 10
Allocation: Volvo B5TL Wright Gemini3
Note: Frequency combined with Service 76 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston. Frequency also combined with Service 74 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Loganlea.


76: Fauldhouse - Eastfield Road - Burnhead Crossroads - Longridge - Dixon Terrace - Polkemmet Road - Whitburn Cross - East Whitburn - M8 Junction 4 Distribution Centre - Birniehill - Morrisons - Bathgate - Boghall - Carnegie Road (Tesco Distribution Centre) - Caputhall Road - Houston Road - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - Howden South - The Centre - College Roundabout - Kirkton South - Simpson Parkway - Rosebank Roundabout - Charlesfield Road - Dedridge West - Murieston West - Alderstone Road - Bellsquarry - Murieston - Livingston South Station

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 4 hours
PVR: 8
Allocation: Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa
Note: Frequency combined with Service 75 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston. No Evening or Sunday service.


Livingston Centre Bus Stops:


A: X17 Fauldhouse, X27 Whitburn, 73 Bathgate.

B: X40 St John’s, 75 Blackridge, 76 Fauldhouse.

C X28 Bathgate, 74 Deans.

D: X17 Edinburgh, 72 Kirkliston, 73 Broxburn.

E: 72 Murieston, 76 Livingston South.

F: X27 Edinburgh, X28 Edinburgh, X40 Royal Infirmary.

G: 74 J4M8, 75 Fauldhouse.


Edinburgh Services

43: Scotstoun - Ferrymuir Retail Park - Echline Corner - Police Station - Dalmeny Station - Dalmeny - Cramond Bridge - Barnton - Blackhall - Craigleith - West End - Waverley - Regent Road

Frequency: Every 20 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 5 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
PVR: 8
Allocation: Volvo B5TL ADL Enviro400 mmc


X69: Ratho - Freelands - Roddinglaw - SASA - Gogarbank - Gogar Station Road - Hermiston P&R - Sighthill - Saughton - Balgreen - West Approach Road - Princes Street - West End - Waverley - Regent Road

Frequency: Hourly
Service Length: 55 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours*
PVR: 3*
Allocation: Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse2
Note: New Ratho to City Centre Service. Running 7 days a week, Service X69 would replace Service 70 between Ratho and Hermiston P&R. Services’ X69 and 70 would interwork, with Service X69’s Limited Stopping pattern and route matching that of Services’ X27 and X28 between Hermiston P&R and Regent Road.


70: Ratho - Ratho Station (Harvest Drive) - Glasgow Road - Gyle Centre

Frequency: Hourly
Service Length: 20 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours*
PVR: 3*
Allocation: Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse2
Note: Interworks with Service X69. No Evening or Sunday service.


71: Scotstoun - Police Station - Echline Corner - Ferrymuir Retail Park - Kirklands Park - Kirkliston - Newbridge - Ratho Station (Harvest Drive) - Glasgow Road - Gyle Centre

Frequency: Hourly
Service Length: 50 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 2 hours
PVR: 2
Allocation: Volvo B8RLE MCV eVoRa


Fleet required

66-95: X40, 71, 72, 73, 76 (27)
176-190, 195-199: X38, X39, X69, 70 (17)
401-404, 406-425: 74, 75 (19)
651-698: X17, X18, X27, X28, 43 (45)


Hope you all enjoyed it, as I say just a bit of fun.

 

[LothianLover88]

X38: Linlithgow Bridge - Linlithgow Cross - Springfield - Kingscavil - Bridgend - Threemiletown - Winchburgh School Campus - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - RBS Gogarburn - Edinburgh

Frequency: Every 30 minutes
Service Length: 1 hour 35 minutes (approx.)
Circuit Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
PVR: 7
Allocation: Volvo B7RLE Wright Eclipse2
Note: Frequency combined with Service X39 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Linlithgow, Winchburgh, Kirkliston and Edinburgh. Services’ X17, X18, X38 and X39 combined to offer an every 7.5 minutes service along the A8 corridor within Edinburgh.

Let's nicely change this to the X41 for obvious reasons. Unless this is literally to replace the Midland Bluebird X38. But everything else is really good, and especially the X17! The only problem is that we would need more buses for city services with this. But it's still good!

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Let's nicely change this to the X41 for obvious reasons. Unless this is literally to replace the Midland Bluebird X38. But everything else is really good, and especially the X17! The only problem is that we would need more buses for city services with this. But it's still good!

I’m not sure what benefit making it X41 would be? Unless I’m missing something?

Theory is 1033-1050 move to city, 571-590 to East Coast with 841-850, 929-931, 933-936 all withdrawn. 937-950 withdrawn at East Coast as well. 551-570 could similarly move to East Coast for standardisation with 511-518 and 1051-1062 moved to city.

There’s also numerous BZL’s still to come, both single and doubles I’m sure. Plus new Airlinks. It’s doable, if you give it time. Is it realistic? Absolutely not!

 

[LothianLover88]

not sure what benefit making it X41 would be? Unless I’m missing something?

Rather that than a bland copy of an already existing route. Don’t think McGills would be pleased with an X38!

There’s also numerous BZL’s still to come, both single and doubles I’m sure. Plus new Airlinks. It’s doable, if you give it time. Is it realistic? Absolutely not!

They’re getting single BZLs?

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Rather that than a bland copy of an already existing route. Don’t think McGills would be pleased with an X38!

But it isn’t a copy?

 

[LothianLover88]

But it isn’t a copy?

What I mean as the Midland Bluebird X38 already exists, I don't find it making sense with another X38 (your Lothian Country one) in the same area as the McGills X38. It would be confusing for passengers and I don't think McGills would take it very well.

I said X41 because well, numbering reasons. And also, the X38 you have is kind of similar to the first section of the McGills one from Edinburgh to Linlithgow.

If your still confused, I mean this route: https://www.mcgillsscotlandeast.co.uk/services/MBLB/X38

 

[Bus9120UK]

What I mean as the Midland Bluebird X38 already exists, I don't find it making sense with another X38 (your Lothian Country one) in the same area as the McGills X38. It would be confusing for passengers and I don't think McGills would take it very well.

I said X41 because well, numbering reasons. And also, the X38 you have is kind of similar to the first section of the McGills one from Edinburgh to Linlithgow.

If your still confused, I mean this route: https://www.mcgillsscotlandeast.co.uk/services/MBLB/X38

Have you perhaps forgotten that Lothian previously introduced an X38 in 2019? It was still the First 38 initially, but First changed the number to X38 promptly.
That X38 was a direct duplicate of the 38 as far as Linlithgow..

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

What I mean as the Midland Bluebird X38 already exists, I don't find it making sense with another X38 (your Lothian Country one) in the same area as the McGills X38. It would be confusing for passengers and I don't think McGills would take it very well.

I know, but this X38 is still quite different, serving Springfield, then Bridgend all day every day. Something that the McGill’s X38 doesn’t do either of, only serving Bridgend in the evenings.

 

[Busman757]

I know, but this X38 is still quite different, serving Springfield, then Bridgend all day every day. Something that the McGill’s X38 doesn’t do either of, only serving Bridgend in the evenings.

Bridgend can be an absolute nightmare to get a bus turned, specially at school times.

 

[Metal Mickey]

Unfortunately, the Linlithgow - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Edinburgh corridor is a money pit and if Lothian Country have any intention to grow their existing market, they are best concentrating on the Bathgate, Broxburn and Livingston areas and getting some frequencies up to 30 or possibly 20.

As for serving Philpstoun, it’s been done before with 38As and it failed and the road network isn’t best suited for most bus types.

 

[Voyager lad]

I feel Lothian Country could maybe try a different tactic for the X38 corridor.

I’d propose extending the 71 to start back from Waterloo Place, following the route of the X27/28 to Sighthill, then up to the Gyle, and run it as it currently does towards Newbridge, Kirkliston and Queensferry - additionally serving Edinburgh Airport on the way. I’d then add a 71A which would run the same route from Edinburgh - Kirkliston (via Sighthill, Gyle, Airport and Newbridge), but continues along to Winchburgh, then up to Newton, and back along to Queensferry.

This would combine to give an every 30 min service between Edinburgh & Kirkliston, with new links to Fountain Park and the Airport, a different route to the Midland X38 but still an Edinburgh link. It would also give Winchburgh a link to Queensferry, as well as serving Newton, which lacks any routes post Covid.

 

[InOban]

Have you driven the road from Winchburgh towards Newton? Once you've passed under the M9 it gets rapidly narrow and twisty, unsuitable for any full-size bus and the visibility at the junction onto the main road isn't great.

 

[Metal Mickey]

Have you driven the road from Winchburgh towards Newton? Once you've passed under the M9 it gets rapidly narrow and twisty, unsuitable for any full-size bus and the visibility at the junction onto the main road isn't great.

And with so few houses in Newton, there is absolutely no commercial case for Lothian Country or any other operator to provide a service on a commercial basis.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

only way I could see Lothian Country attempting the Linlithgow route again is if McGill's were to scrap the X38. However, this seems unlikely, as the X38 is currently the only bus service connecting Edinburgh to Falkirk. Another possibility would be if McGill's decided to reroute the X38 to use the M9 after Linlithgow, which would completely cut out Kirkliston and Winchburgh, leaving Lothian to fill the gap between these areas. But this is also improbable, unless Lothian were to take on the 31 tender as well. However, I think Lothian has other priorities, such as improving the services they already operate.

Proposed Lothian Country Changes:

* X17 - NEW Service
Runs from Edinburgh to Livingston Centre via Corstorphine, Newbridge, Broxburn, Uphall, Deer Park, Fastlink, St John's Hospital & Howdens. *Frequency*: Monday to Saturday, every 30 minutes between 06:00 - 21:00, with an hourly service in the evenings from 22:00 - 00:00.

X18 - Updated Service
Peak journeys extended to Fauldhouse on a trial basis. The revised timetable will interwork with the new X17, providing a 15-minute frequency from Broxburn to Edinburgh on Monday to Saturday.

- **X27/X28 - Increased Frequency**
Now running every 30 minutes. X27 has been rerouted via Deans South.

- **X40 - Expanded Service**
Earlier and later journeys introduced on all days of the week, with the last X40 departing RIE at 22:20. Saturday service increased to an hourly schedule.

- **70 - Peak Frequency Increase**
Peak-time frequency increased to every 30 minutes.

- **71 - Later Journeys Added**
Later journeys are now available on all days of the week. The revised timetable will connect with the 72 in Kirkliston for further travel into West Lothian.

- **72 - Enhanced Frequency**
Monday to Saturday frequency increased to every 30 minutes, with later journeys introduced from both Kirkliston and Fauldhouse.

- **73 - Improved Service**
Monday to Friday frequency increased to every 30 minutes, with a new hourly Sunday service introduced.

- **74 - Expanded Schedule**
Monday to Friday frequency set to every 30 minutes, with later journeys introduced from both Livingston and Fauldhouse.

- **75 - NEW Service**
Running from Balerno (Edinburgh) to Blackridge, via Lanark Road West, B7031, Kirknewton (West), A71, Fastlink, Livingston Centre, St John's Hospital, Carmondean, Deans North, Boghall, Wester Inch, Bathgate & Armadale.
*Frequency*: Monday to Sunday, hourly service from 06:30 - 22:30. This route reintroduces the connection between Armadale and Livingston and adds a link to St John's Hospital and Balerno.

- **N18 - Return Service Added**
Return journey from Whitburn to Edinburgh now available on all days of the week. All Edinburgh-bound buses will run to Whitburn.

- **N28 - Return Service Added**
Return journey from Bathgate to Edinburgh introduced on all days of the week.

- **N43 - Hourly Night Service**
Hourly frequency throughout the night on all nights of the week, with return journeys to Edinburgh.

- **N72 - NEW Night Service**
Local night service running from Queensferry to Fauldhouse on weekends only. Connections with the N43 in Queensferry are guaranteed at Ferrymuir Retail Park for onward travel to Kirkliston.

 

[InOban]

I'm always sceptical about late journeys on the X40. By 20.30 shift changeover is complete and I can't see a market after then.

I also can't see the market from Balerno to the Livingston area. Miles of open countryside.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

I'm always sceptical about late journeys on the X40. By 20.30 shift changeover is complete and I can't see a market after then.

It doesn't necessarily have to be just for the Hospital workers. It could be anyone visiting or live nearby who want to avoid travelling to town to get a bus back to Livingston.

I also can't see the market from Balerno to the Livingston area. Miles of open countryside.

Besides the mention above for a link to the Hospital and Centre, for shopping purposes and medical appointments. Also I'm sure at St Johns is much closer to Balerno than both the Royal Infirmary and Western General, unless they improve the 32 for better connections at Hermiston, this seems like a logical next step.

 

[LBObserver]

It doesn't necessarily have to be just for the Hospital workers. It could be anyone visiting or live nearby who want to avoid travelling to town to get a bus back to Livingston.



Besides the mention above for a link to the Hospital and Centre, for shopping purposes and medical appointments. Also I'm sure at St Johns is much closer to Balerno than both the Royal Infirmary and Western General, unless they improve the 32 for better connections at Hermiston, this seems like a logical next step.

There was a service 24 connecting Balerno and Livingston in the past, under contract to West Lothian Council. There is still a pair of bus stops along the A70 near the Kirknewton junction but the service stopped several years ago.

A city council document I found on subsidised bus services from about ten years ago noted this service was run by Blue Bus on behalf of WLC. Stats at the time show it operating from Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno to Livingston, six times a day Monday to Friday. Passengers numbered 2400 a MONTH, 71% of them concessions. I don't see any reason for that to have vastly improved for a commercial bus service to operate.

Balerno is five miles from Kirknewton, with next to nothing in between, from where X28 could be picked up. It would be cheaper to provide a 6 seat taxi for any occasional passengers needing to go from Balerno, connecting with the X28 at Kirknewton.

 

[stevenedin]

There was a service 24 connecting Balerno and Livingston in the past, under contract to West Lothian Council. There is still a pair of bus stops along the A70 near the Kirknewton junction but the service stopped several years ago.

A city council document I found on subsidised bus services from about ten years ago noted this service was run by Blue Bus on behalf of WLC. Stats at the time show it operating from Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno to Livingston, six times a day Monday to Friday. Passengers numbered 2400 a MONTH, 71% of them concessions. I don't see any reason for that to have vastly improved for a commercial bus service to operate.

Balerno is five miles from Kirknewton, with next to nothing in between, from where X28 could be picked up. It would be cheaper to provide a 6 seat taxi for any occasional passengers needing to go from Balerno, connecting with the X28 at Kirknewton.

The other option is for the 32 to be extended to Kirknewton or Calderwood via Kirknewton which would create new links. It could be part funded by West Lothian Council and City of Edinburgh Council. It would probably have to become a Lothian Country route if that was the case though.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

The other option is for the 32 to be extended to Kirknewton or Calderwood via Kirknewton which would create new links. It could be part funded by West Lothian Council and City of Edinburgh Council. It would probably have to become a Lothian Country route if that was the case though.

Or you could just get the 32 to Hermiston and change.

 

[InOban]

If you want a big shop from Balerno you get the bus down Lanark Road. There's a large Sainsbury 100m from the foot of the hill and then there's the Asda and Aldi at Chesser and a lidl shortly after.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

If you want a big shop from Balerno you get the bus down Lanark Road. There's a large Sainsbury 100m from the foot of the hill and then there's the Asda and Aldi at Chesser and a lidl shortly after.

I did also suggest that it's handy for medical appointments for St Johns Hospital, whilst changing from a 32 would be the best option for now, I feel like the people of Balerno would prefer something direct.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I did also suggest that it's handy for medical appointments for St Johns Hospital, whilst changing from a 32 would be the best option for now, I feel like the people of Balerno would prefer something direct.

That’s probably somewhat of a tiny market though. A 32 takes just over 15 minutes to reach Hermiston, where you can change to a number of West Lothian services.