Vital bus services in the West of Edinburgh saved - at least for now
First Bus Scotland have agreed a new deal to retain two vital bus services in the West of Edinburgh
Vital bus services to the West of Edinburgh are set to continue, after fears they'd be lost to cuts, but their long term future remains unclear.
The 20 and the 63 were reported to be facing the chopping block last month, sparking concerns from locals and politicans.
But now First Bus Scotland have confirmed they've agreed to a new one-year revised contract.
Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Bus Scotland said:
“As these are services owned by the council and tendered out to bus operators, our initial contract had come to a natural end. It was important for us to proactively collaborate with City of Edinburgh Council to ensure we can deliver a reliable bus service for these communities in the face of the ongoing industry wide driver shortages which we are still contending with.
“Following that collaborative discussion, we have accepted a one-year extension to provide service continuity across these routes.”
Transport Convener Scott Arthur tells Forth News buses are "one of the biggest challenges I've faced" since taking on the roll.
Councillor Arthur tells us the revised deal will see a reduced timetable, when compared to the previous agreement, but he hopes to work on that in the next year.
He said: "It was a real blow to these communities to hear that these vital links were going to be lost.
"So for the two services mentioned, it will be a reduced service, but it's very much an interim measure and we are looking at what else we can do with other providers to support the delivery of these services with First."
Councillor Arthur is hopeful the contracts can be put out to tender at the conclusion of this extended deal.
He says he's had "quite positive" discussions with Lothian Buses about the route, saying:
"Obviously, I can't guarantee they're going to bid because it's a commercial activity for them, but I'm really hopeful that as well as perhaps First bidding again."
Bus operators have said they are struggling with recruitment, as pointed out by Mr Macfarlan.
Cllr Arthur hopes that is an issue that can be tackled going forward, he said:
"One of the challenges we face is if we want to grow public transport further, we need more drivers to to run services, whether that's for Lothian buses or first or Stagecoach and lack of drivers is the fundamental challenge.
"We want to take our time consult with the community and get this right. And then in a years time we'll actually have hopefully a service which is better than what we had to start with because I think these communities, what they really want is good links."