Eastern Scottish Network Review May 2023
3 years ago
From Monday 8th May there will be a number of service changes, following a review of the Eastern Scottish network in West Lothian and Edinburgh.
The number of journeys being made is between 75-80% of pre- pandemic levels and operating costs have risen exponentially so changes to routes and timetables are necessary to ensure the future viability of the networks across West Lothian and into Edinburgh.
The most significant service changes are:
- Service 600 - Livingston to Kirkliston via Broxburn & Winchburgh : withdrawn and replaced by the new 23.
- Service X22 - Shotts to Edinburgh via Whitburn, Livingston: revised to run between Livingston Terminal and Edinburgh; the link between Livingston, Blackburn and Whitburn will be replaced by the new 23; Greenrigg, Harthill and Shotts will no longer be served.
- Service X24 - Deans to Edinburgh via Livingston Centre, Broxburn & Corstorphine: Revised to run between St Johns Hospital, Livingston Terminal, Broxburn and Edinburgh; Pumpherston will be served instead by the new 23 (see above); Eliburn and Deans South will no longer be served.
- The X25 Deans to Edinburgh via Livingston Centre, Broxburn & Corstorphine: renumbered as the 25 and revised to run between Livingston Terminal, Bathgate and Armadale; changing to the X22 or X24 in Livingston gives alternative links to Edinburgh; Blackridge will no longer be served.
- NEW Service 23: A new half-hourly service between Broxburn, Pumpherston, Craigshill, Livingston Terminal, St Johns Hospital Blackburn and Whitburn.This service will now extend to Shotts via Harthill on an hourly frequency Monday to Saturday to these areas.
- This service will now be financially supported by West Lothian Council and SPT.
- All services will be completely withdrawn on Sundays due to low use. This excludes the X38 which services Falkirk to Edinburgh via Winchburgh.
- All services will have some early morning/late evening journeys cancelled on weekdays and Saturdays due to low usage.
McGill’s Group has already informed West Lothian Council about the service changes and will continue its dialogue with the local authority.
Ralph Roberts, CEO of McGill’s Group, said: “From 8th May we will be making changes to our Eastern Scottish network which will see a number of services changed or withdrawn.
"On most services, the number of journeys being made is between 75 to 80 percent of pre-pandemic levels. But, given the increased costs, this means we need to make some changes to routes and timetables - both to reflect current demand, and to ensure the future viability of our networks across West Lothian and Edinburgh.
"Local authorities have the power to step in with financial support where journeys or services are considered to be socially necessary. We have therefore advised them of these proposed changes so that they can weigh up potential replacement services.
"Just as Covid was unprecedented, we understand that these service changes post-pandemic are unique.
"Whilst we fully recognise the extent of service changes, we have worked hard to try and adjust other Eastern Scottish services to cover some or all of the cancelled service routes.
"This detail is important as we shape the most efficient bus provision for the region moving forward."