New West Lothian bus routes to Edinburgh
Communters will be able to take advantage of new bus services between West Lothian and Edinburgh from next month – and the move will be a boost for jobs.
Lothian Country have announced plans for a further expansion of their services in West Lothian, creating 65 new posts.
From Sunday, August 19, three routes will be introduced creating new links between Edinburgh and Bathgate, seven days a week, and a link between Edinburgh Park Station and Whitburn, seven days a week.
Richard Hall, managing director of Lothian, said: “We are excited to announce our wider plans for operations in West Lothian as part of Lothian Country.
“For a number of years we have received repeated requests to introduce a service to this area and we are delighted that we can today announce our plans.
“We look forward to releasing more detailed information in the coming weeks.”
The introduction of these new services will create in excess of 65 new jobs and Lothian Country will be holding recruitment days for those interested at the Mercure Livingston on July 17, 18 and 19.
Cathy Muldoon, executive councillor for development and transport at West Lothian Council, said: “We are delighted that Lothian are extending their services into West Lothian and we welcome the improvements this will bring to the public transport network that connects our communities.
“I believe that this will be warmly welcomed by local residents and West Lothian Council is looking forward to building a strong partnership with Lothian going forward to further improve services for local people.”
Lothian’s Conservative MSP, Miles Briggs, said :“I have previously raised the possibility of Lothian extending their operations to West Lothian and I am delighted to hear that they are doing this.
“I know from speaking to constituents in West Lothian that they will welcome this new service which will bolster transport links in West Lothian. If the new routes are a success, there is no reason why additional routes could not be added.”
Neil Findlay, Labour MSP for Lothian, said: “It is fantastic news that Lothian buses are moving into West Lothian and I would encourage them to develop their routes here.
“Unlike other operators this is a publicly-owned, publicly-accountable company that puts passengers not shareholders first.
“I hope they will now look at other routes that have been cut or abandoned by other contractors.”
Fiona Hylsop, SNP MSP for Linlithgow, said: “I welcome the move from Lothian Buses who are recognised as one of the best bus companies in the country.
“This comes at a time when a number of our rural services are under threat by providers.
“I look forward to hearing more details but this should help local people access jobs in Edinburgh and is good news for the county.”
Customers using the service can use a range of ticketing options giving extended travel across the whole Lothian network.
Customers are asked to pre-register on www. lothiancountry.co.uk