Edinburgh & the Lothians bus network speculations & ideas

[ScotRail158725]

I thought I’d speculate about Lothian Buses.

I think that it can’t be long before there is a new Airlink bus order. I think that 1128-1140 could be moved into the normal fleet (possibly seats changed or not). These could move to Longstone for the 3, 25 and 44 to help with capacity.

Also with 1051-1062 potentially on the move, could these be meant for Lothiancountry instead of EastCoastbuses?

1033-1042 could move to EastCoastbuses to replace 841-850 and 1051-1060 join Lothiancountry

1061 and 1062 could either stay with Lothian or replace 935 and 936 or 935 and one of the 937-950 batch which hasn’t been repainted yet.

What do you think?

Too complex for no real reason; if 1128-1140 are to join the main fleet they’d most likely just be replacements for the oldest buses in the fleet, most likely to start withdrawing the 11 plate B9s.

 

[Bus9120UK]

A few ideas from a mate of mine:

9 - Withdrawn, completely unnecessary frequency upgrade on the stretches shared by the 8.
41 - Reinstated, same route as pre-withdrawal.
46 - If the 49 were not to be reinstated, rerouted to City. If it is, then keep the same (perhaps with an increased frequency) and operate alongside the 49.
47 - Rerouted directly along Queensferry Road as a trial, perhaps other variations here and there, perhaps reconnecting areas from the former 42? An overall improved service for the local area.
48 - Curtail to Fort Kinnaird and reinstate deckers OR increase frequency.
49 - Either reinstated to Rosewell or even potentially made circular if not (incredibly unrealistic). Perhaps some reworks to justify the service; it just feels like it won't last at it's current state.

 

[FP transport v]

I don't know if this has already been mentioned but I've seen a few posts from locals and MP's to reinstate a bus service to Auchendinniy which I think is a great idea. The obvious choice being it's old service 15 but services 37 or 47 could be diverted via the town instead.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

A few ideas from a mate of mine:

9 - Withdrawn, completely unnecessary frequency upgrade on the stretches shared by the 8.
41 - Reinstated, same route as pre-withdrawal.
46 - If the 49 were not to be reinstated, rerouted to City. If it is, then keep the same (perhaps with an increased frequency) and operate alongside the 49.
47 - Rerouted directly along Queensferry Road as a trial, perhaps other variations here and there, perhaps reconnecting areas from the former 42? An overall improved service for the local area.
48 - Curtail to Fort Kinnaird and reinstate deckers OR increase frequency.
49 - Either reinstated to Rosewell or even potentially made circular if not (incredibly unrealistic). Perhaps some reworks to justify the service; it just feels like it won't last at it's current state.

So pretty much the service we had before the changes

I don't know if this has already been mentioned but I've seen a few posts from locals and MP's to reinstate a bus service to Auchendinniy which I think is a great idea. The obvious choice being it's old service 15 but services 37 or 47 could be diverted via the town instead.

I would say they should give it a go with the 15, not like they are losing much by extending it, even if it did a one way loop through Auchindinny and back via Bush so that the residents have some form of a service!

 

[FP transport v]

So pretty much the service we had before the changes



I would say they should give it a go with the 15, not like they are losing much by extending it, even if it did a one way loop through Auchindinny and back via Bush so that the residents have some form of a service!

Yeah definitely, it wouldn't be adding too much time onto shifts ect. and wouldn't require any additional buses I don't think.

 

[roadierway77]

I came up with some proposals of my own for Lothian's city services, mostly involving improving connections to the city, taking over the council tenders from McGill’s and converting the 30 to decker operation.

2 | Hermiston Gait - QMU
Extended to QMU via Newcraighall.
Buses required unchanged.

4 | Hillend - The Jewel
Service cut to run only to The Jewel.
Buses required reduced from 9 to 8.

12 | Portobello - Ratho or Heriot-Watt University
Extended westwards to alternate between serving Ratho and Riccarton, replacing relevant sections of the 20 and 63. Provides new direct connections from Ratho to the city centre and from Riccarton to Corstorphine, in addition to more frequent services between Riccarton and the Gyle. Services between Riccarton and Balerno are withdrawn due to low passenger numbers.
Buses required increased from 6 to 8.

14 | Muirhouse - Sheriffhall
Extended from Greendykes to Sheriffhall P&R via The Wisp, Edmonstone Road, Newton Church Road, Redcroft Road and Shawfair Avenue, providing a direct bus service to Danderhall.
Buses required unchanged.

22 | Gyle Centre - Fort Kinnaird
The northern sections of the 22 and 49 are swapped - service 22 now runs between the Gyle Centre and Fort Kinnaird via Lochend, Portobello and The Jewel. Restores the 22 to Princes Street and Leith Walk.
Buses required increased from 6 to 9.

25 | Restalrig - Heriot-Watt University
Frequency restored to every 10 minutes for the start of the university's autumn semester, alongside extra peak services. Some peak workings now run as X25 services - see below.
Buses required increased from 13 to 16.

29 | Silverknowes - Gorebridge
All services now terminate and lay over at Silverknowes Promenade instead of Silverknowes Club House.
Buses required unchanged.

30 | Clovenstone - QMU
Rerouted to run between Fort Kinnaird and QMU via the A1 to avoid height restriction at Newcraighall and allow conversion to full or at least partial decker operation, increasing capacity. Frequency reduced to every 15 minutes.
Buses required reduced from 18 to 12.

31 | East Craigs to Rosewell or Bonnyrigg
Extended from Polton Mill to Rosewell to provide a direct service to the city centre.
Buses required increased from 12 to 13.

34 | Ocean Terminal - Heriot-Watt University
Some peak workings between Semple Street and Riccarton no longer operate, instead running as X25 services.
Buses required unchanged.

42 | Queensferry - Chesser
New route combining relevant sections of the 63 and 20. Runs every 60 minutes. Timings changed between the Gyle Centre and Queensferry to better reflect actual journey times.
3 buses required.

49 | Royal Infirmary - Granton Harbour
Northern section of the route is swapped with service 22 - service 49 now runs to Granton Harbour via George Street, Orchard Brae and Crewe Toll.
Buses required decreased from 9 to 8.

X25 | Princes Street - Heriot Watt University
Reintroduced as a limited-stop express between Princes Street and Riccarton, with some journeys extending to/starting at Elm Row or Foot of the Walk. Service runs in both directions in both peaks, to cater to both university traffic and commuter traffic from Sighthill, Parkhead and Saughton. Westbound morning services and eastbound afternoon services do not run during during university holidays.
No additional buses required - workings added to existing diagrams.

These proposals are manageable with current resources, with overall daytime vehicle requirements increasing slightly from 385 to 389.

 

[stevenedin]

I came up with some proposals of my own for Lothian's city services, mostly involving improving connections to the city, taking over the council tenders from McGill’s and converting the 30 to decker operation.

2 | Hermiston Gait - QMU
Extended to QMU via Newcraighall.
Buses required unchanged.

4 | Hillend - The Jewel
Service cut to run only to The Jewel.
Buses required reduced from 9 to 8.

12 | Portobello - Ratho or Heriot-Watt University
Extended westwards to alternate between serving Ratho and Riccarton, replacing relevant sections of the 20 and 63. Provides new direct connections from Ratho to the city centre and from Riccarton to Corstorphine, in addition to more frequent services between Riccarton and the Gyle. Services between Riccarton and Balerno are withdrawn due to low passenger numbers.
Buses required increased from 6 to 8.

14 | Muirhouse - Sheriffhall
Extended from Greendykes to Sheriffhall P&R via The Wisp, Edmonstone Road, Newton Church Road, Redcroft Road and Shawfair Avenue, providing a direct bus service to Danderhall.
Buses required unchanged.

22 | Gyle Centre - Fort Kinnaird
The northern sections of the 22 and 49 are swapped - service 22 now runs between the Gyle Centre and Fort Kinnaird via Lochend, Portobello and The Jewel. Restores the 22 to Princes Street and Leith Walk.
Buses required increased from 6 to 9.

25 | Restalrig - Heriot-Watt University
Frequency restored to every 10 minutes for the start of the university's autumn semester, alongside extra peak services. Some peak workings now run as X25 services - see below.
Buses required increased from 13 to 16.

29 | Silverknowes - Gorebridge
All services now terminate and lay over at Silverknowes Promenade instead of Silverknowes Club House.
Buses required unchanged.

30 | Clovenstone - QMU
Rerouted to run between Fort Kinnaird and QMU via the A1 to avoid height restriction at Newcraighall and allow conversion to full or at least partial decker operation, increasing capacity. Frequency reduced to every 15 minutes.
Buses required reduced from 18 to 12.

31 | East Craigs to Rosewell or Bonnyrigg
Extended from Polton Mill to Rosewell to provide a direct service to the city centre.
Buses required increased from 12 to 13.

34 | Ocean Terminal - Heriot-Watt University
Some peak workings between Semple Street and Riccarton no longer operate, instead running as X25 services.
Buses required unchanged.

42 | Queensferry - Chesser
New route combining relevant sections of the 63 and 20. Runs every 60 minutes. Timings changed between the Gyle Centre and Queensferry to better reflect actual journey times.
3 buses required.

49 | Royal Infirmary - Granton Harbour
Northern section of the route is swapped with service 22 - service 49 now runs to Granton Harbour via George Street, Orchard Brae and Crewe Toll.
Buses required decreased from 9 to 8.

X25 | Princes Street - Heriot Watt University
Reintroduced as a limited-stop express between Princes Street and Riccarton, with some journeys extending to/starting at Elm Row or Foot of the Walk. Service runs in both directions in both peaks, to cater to both university traffic and commuter traffic from Sighthill, Parkhead and Saughton. Westbound morning services and eastbound afternoon services do not run during during university holidays.
No additional buses required - workings added to existing diagrams.

These proposals are manageable with current resources, with overall daytime vehicle requirements increasing slightly from 385 to 389.

These are very interesting ideas, especially the combination of the 20 and 63 routes into the 12 and 42. Also the swap between the 22 and 49 is a good idea too.

 

[ScotRail158725]

2 | Hermiston Gait - QMU
Extended to QMU via Newcraighall.
Buses required unchanged.

4 | Hillend - The Jewel
Service cut to run only to The Jewel.
Buses required reduced from 9 to 8.

What is the point in this? Also an extension of the 2 to QMU via Newcrighall would definitely increase the PVR by at least 1

12 | Portobello - Ratho or Heriot-Watt University
Extended westwards to alternate between serving Ratho and Riccarton, replacing relevant sections of the 20 and 63. Provides new direct connections from Ratho to the city centre and from Riccarton to Corstorphine, in addition to more frequent services between Riccarton and the Gyle. Services between Riccarton and Balerno are withdrawn due to low passenger numbers.
Buses required increased from 6 to 8.

I can kind of see a thought process behind this but it doesn’t make sense, yes the 12 to Ratho has been done before but alternating it between there and a replacement of the 63 to Riccarton seems a waste. The Corstorphine to Riccarton demand is probably minimal if any and this defeats the whole point of the 63

14 | Muirhouse - Sheriffhall
Extended from Greendykes to Sheriffhall P&R via The Wisp, Edmonstone Road, Newton Church Road, Redcroft Road and Shawfair Avenue, providing a direct bus service to Danderhall.
Buses required unchanged.

Like the 2 an extension of this length would require and extra bus at least. I can see an extension to the 14 being likely, along a similar route as you’ve suggested, but it would more likely go into the new development at Shawfair (around the railway station) instead

22 | Gyle Centre - Fort Kinnaird
The northern sections of the 22 and 49 are swapped - service 22 now runs between the Gyle Centre and Fort Kinnaird via Lochend, Portobello and The Jewel. Restores the 22 to Princes Street and Leith Walk.
Buses required increased from 6 to 9.
49 | Royal Infirmary - Granton Harbour
Northern section of the route is swapped with service 22 - service 49 now runs to Granton Harbour via George Street, Orchard Brae and Crewe Toll.
Buses required decreased from 9 to 8.

This is a bit like what Lothian have just done, change large sections of routes when they dont really need change

25 | Restalrig - Heriot-Watt University
Frequency restored to every 10 minutes for the start of the university's autumn semester, alongside extra peak services. Some peak workings now run as X25 services - see below.
Buses required increased from 13 to 16.

The 25s 10 minute frequency is required all year round not just when the unis are on so this idea I’m in favour of this completely. Its just a pity you didn’t suggest the 3 gets a frequency increase aswell

30 | Clovenstone - QMU
Rerouted to run between Fort Kinnaird and QMU via the A1 to avoid height restriction at Newcraighall and allow conversion to full or at least partial decker operation, increasing capacity. Frequency reduced to every 15 minutes.
Buses required reduced from 18 to 12.

The 30 avoiding the Newcraighall bridge and going to Double deck is much needed, however in its current form diverting it via the A1 just to terminate at QMU still is pointless, it would be more operationally viable just cutting it to Fort Kinnaird and saving another bus. With your extension to to 2 its makes sense to do this aswell

31 | East Craigs to Rosewell or Bonnyrigg
Extended from Polton Mill to Rosewell to provide a direct service to the city centre.
Buses required increased from 12 to 13.

This is a common suggestion now and rightly so

34 | Ocean Terminal - Heriot-Watt University
Some peak workings between Semple Street and Riccarton no longer operate, instead running as X25 services.
Buses required unchanged.

Would these X25s form the X33s still or would the X33 run empty to/from service

42 | Queensferry - Chesser
New route combining relevant sections of the 63 and 20. Runs every 60 minutes. Timings changed between the Gyle Centre and Queensferry to better reflect actual journey times.
3 buses required.

every 30 or 40/45 minute frequency would maybe be better for this

 

[roadierway77]

What is the point in this? Also an extension of the 2 to QMU via Newcrighall would definitely increase the PVR by at least 1

As the 30 would be redirected via the A1, the 2 would be extended to QMU to ensure the reduction in service to Newcraighall isn't massive. The 2 would be extended and not the 4 as the 2 primarily uses single decker vehicles.

You're very right - I've done my calculations wrong. It would require one additional bus for this extension. Not sure how I missed that!

I can kind of see a thought process behind this but it doesn’t make sense, yes the 12 to Ratho has been done before but alternating it between there and a replacement of the 63 to Riccarton seems a waste. The Corstorphine to Riccarton demand is probably minimal if any and this defeats the whole point of the 63

I'm a student at Heriot-Watt and I've heard desires from oyhfor more frequent buses between Riccarton and Edinburgh Park - this is primarily the reason for this, also to just provide somewhere for the other bus to go to. Whether demand is there to Corstorphine and beyond, who knows.

Like the 2 an extension of this length would require and extra bus at least. I can see an extension to the 14 being likely, along a similar route as you’ve suggested, but it would more likely go into the new development at Shawfair (around the railway station) instead

An extension is just about manageable with current PVR, but yes for more turnaround time you'd need an extra vehicle.

This is a bit like what Lothian have just done, change large sections of routes when they dont really need change

These routes perhaps don't need urgent change, but the 49's route is counterintuitive, looping back on itself, and is even worse now that it's been cut back to the Infirmary. One wouldn't expect a bus at the Infirmary with the destination 'Fort Kinnaird' to take an hour and ten minutes to get there, especially as the 400 takes only ten minutes. Swapping the ends round gives less potential for confusion. For the 22, there's been complaints about its withdrawal from both Leith Walk and Princes Street.

The 25s 10 minute frequency is required all year round not just when the unis are on so this idea I’m in favour of this completely. Its just a pity you didn’t suggest the 3 gets a frequency increase aswell

I agree, at least Lothian seem to be intending to restore it when the universities return in September. Unfortunately I don't think there are the resources for a frequency increase on the 3 right now.

The 30 avoiding the Newcraighall bridge and going to Double deck is much needed, however in its current form diverting it via the A1 just to terminate at QMU still is pointless, it would be more operationally viable just cutting it to Fort Kinnaird and saving another bus. With your extension to to 2 its makes sense to do this aswell

Ideally I'd bring the 30 back to Musselburgh, but true, QMU probably doesn't need such a high frequency of vehicles.

This is a common suggestion now and rightly so

Like because it's the most logical one! It would mess up the 31's diagrams - currently Polton Mill buses shuttle back and forth, not straying to Hopefield and vice versa, while extending to Rosewell would lead to diagrams alternating between Rosewell and Hopefield, but I don't think that's a massive issue in any way.

Would these X25s form the X33s still or would the X33 run empty to/from service

I would envisage the X25s to form from a mixture of services - some would replace short peak 25 runs, running to/from X26 workings, others would indeed replace short 34 runs which run to/from X33 workings, others for example would simply be an earlier addition to other diagrams that don't run for the entire day.

every 30 or 40/45 minute frequency would maybe be better for this

I agree, but in the scenario where Lothian takes back the tenders, I somewhat doubt they'd be quick to massively increase frequencies as both McGill’s and Lothian seem to see them as a bit of a burden.

 

[LothianBusesPh]

-especially as the 200 takes only ten minutes.

I am pretty sure you mean Services 46, 48 and 400.

 

[roadierway77]

I am pretty sure you mean Services 46, 48 and 400.

Yes indeed, service 400 was what I meant, apologies.

 

[overthewater]

How about Axing the 7? Increase No11 to every 10mins to partly off set ?

 

[LothianBusesPh]

How about Axing the 7? Increase No11 to every 10mins to partly off set ?

Perhaps just changing the northern part of the route rather than withdrawing it entirely???

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Something I have considered is axing the 23 and rerouting the 9 to Trinity. Combined with my previous 17 suggestion in post #101 - which instead could run to Greenbank, this should cover everything. The 27 would need to be increased to every 15 minutes throughout the day, potentially to something as high as every 10 minutes in the peak hours. I’m aware that this could leave the 8 short in the peak hours at the north end, but perhaps it would actually work fine. From my experience the 8 does change loadings at Ferry Road. The 19 would need to be maintained at every 15 minutes despite my previous suggestion on that.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

Here are my suggestions for a future service change in light of the recent changes

Service 7 - Extended to Ocean Terminal from Newhaven to provide a link for Newington

Service 12 - Additional peak runs Monday to Friday, Sunday service extended to Kings Road, frequency remains

Service 15 - Extended to Auchindinny (one way loop) returning via Milton Bridge to provide the city with a link to Auchindinny

Service 19 - Due to increasing passenger demand, The evening service to Leith Street has been extended to Eastfield all days of the week.

Service 30 - Rerouted via A1 to serve QMU, Newcraighall will still be served by service 46/48

Service 31 - Polton Mill journeys are now extended to Rosewell to provide Rosewell with a direct city service

Service 36 - Additional evening journeys are added on Sunday service

Service 45 - Journeys from Kings Road will extend to Eastfield once an hour.

Service 200 - Service now runs 24/7

Service 400 - Journeys now run a one way loop inside Fort Kinnaird retail park and service now runs 24/7

 

[CSB0241]

Changing the topic over to West Lothian, I had a go at designing a new network for Livingston. This network centres around the withdrawal of all of McGill's express services to Edinburgh, leaving Lothian to focus on those links. While this would likely be somewhat unpopular, it would enable McGill's to build a more comprehensive local West Lothian network. I've attached a map of my proposed services.

To compensate for the withdrawn McGill's expresses, the frequency of the X27/X28 would return to every 15 minutes, Citylink's 902 would extend to Edinburgh city centre, and the local McGill's services would feed into rail stations where possible to allow easy transfer to and from train. Livingston North, Livingston South, St John's Hospital and The Centre would act as transport hubs.

As long as my calculations are correct, these services would all be possible with current resources, using less vehicles than is currently required.

Local services
21 | Blackridge - Livingston South | every hour - 3 buses required
22 | Deans - Murieston clockwise | every hour - 1.5 buses required (interworks with 22A)
22A | Deans - Murieston anti-clockwise | every hour - 1.5 buses required (interworks with 22)
23 | Shotts - Bangour Village | every hour - 4 buses required
23A | Whitburn - Uphall | every hour - 3 buses required
24 | Kirkliston - Livingston South | every 45 minutes - 3 buses required
25 | Deans - Kirknewton | every 20 minutes - 6 buses required
26 | Livingston North - Bathgate | every 30 minutes - 8 buses required
40 | St John's Hospital - Cramond | every 90 minutes - 2 buses required

After seeing this comment, I thought that it could be a fun idea to go to the other side & make some changes to East Lothian bus services, the main one possibly being a fever dream of mine (Eve Coaches, Prentice Of Haddington, EastCoast, & some Lothian services);


1. East Lothian Transport; EastCoast Buses, Eve Coaches, & Prentice Of Haddington operators merged into one major partnership. Each company will get a share of 1/3 of any profit made.


Service SCH1; Preston Lodge HS - Blindwells - Longniddry - Ballencreif - Haddington • Renumbering of PoH 118A

Service SCH2; Drem - Ballencrief - Longniddry - Preston Lodge HS • Extended version of ECB 128 - Service Extended from Longniddry to Drem via Ballencreif

Service SCH3; Musselburgh - Wallyford P&R - Prestongrange - Longniddry - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick HS • Renumbering of ECB 125

Service SCH4; Aberlady - Fenton Barns - Gullane - North Berwick HS • Renumbering of ECB 126

Service SCH5; Longniddry - Ballencrief - Drem - Fenton Barns - North Berwick HS • Renumbering/Rerouting Of ECB 127 (SCH5 now operates direct from Fenton Barns to Dirleton - Please use services SCH3/SCH4 between Gullane & NBHS)

Service 70; QMU - Musselburgh - Wallyford P&R - Tranent - Macmerry - Haddington • Renumbering/Rerouting of ECB 106 - Service uses 71/108 route between Clayknowes Road End & Haddington

Service X70; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - A1 - Wallyford - Tranent - Macmerry - Haddington • Renumbering of ECB X6

Service 71; Fort Kinnaird - Musselburgh - Wallyford P&R - Tranent - Macmerry - Haddington • Renumbering of PoH 108

Service 71B; Musselburgh - Wallyford - Tranent - Elphinstone • Renumbering of PoH 108A

Service 72; Fountainbridge - Meadowbank - Portobello - Musselburgh - Westpans - Port Seton - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick • Renumbering of ECB 124

Service X72; Central Edinburgh - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - A1 - Blindwells - Longniddry - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick • Renumbering of ECB X5

Service N72; Fountainbridge - Meadowbank - Portobello - Musselburgh - Musselburgh - Prestongrange - Port Seton - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick • Renumbering of ECB N124

Service 73; Whitecraig - Wallyford - Tranent - A1 - Haddington - East Linton - Dunbar • Renumbering/rerouting of ECB 106 Dunbar journeys. Journeys now operate hourly between 0730 & 2330, with buses operating via Salters Road, before following the 106/70 route to Tranent Town Centre, then diverting via Church Street to Bankton Flyover, Then via X7/X73 route to Dunbar.

Service X73; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - A1 - Haddington - East Linton - Dunbar • Renumbering of ECB X7

Service N73; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - A1 (to Haymarket), Musselburgh (to Dunbar), Wallyford P&R (to Dunbar), Tranent (to Dunbar), Macmerry (to Dunbar), Haddington - East Linton - Dunbar • Renumbering of ECB N107

Service 74; WGH - Meadowbank - Portobello - Musselburgh - Prestongrange - Blindwells - Tranent - Ormiston - Pencaitland • Renumbering/Rerouting of ECB 113 - Journeys now service Fa’Side bus stance to partly replace service 44

Service N74; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - Musselburgh - Wallyford - Tranent - Elphinstone - Ormiston • Renumbering of ECB N113

Service 75; ERI - Danderhall - QMU - Musselburgh - Whitecraig - Wallyford - Port Seton - Longniddry - Ballencreif - Haddington • Renumbering/Rerouting of PoH 111 • Now pulls into QMU Bus stance

Service 77; Prestonpans - Tranent - Elphinstone • Renumbering of PoH 110

Service 77B; Haddington - Pencaitland - New Winton - Tranent - Elphinstone • Renumbering of PoH 110 journeys between Elphinstone & Haddington (Extra journeys introduced in both directions between 0630 - 0800, & 1615 - 1800)

Service X77; Fort Kinnaird - Wallyford - Prestonpans - Tranent - Elphinstone • Renumbering of PoH 112

Service 78; Dunbar - Tyningham - North Berwick • Renumbering of Eve 120

Service 79; Haddington - Athelstaneford - Drem - North Berwick • Renumbering of Eve 121

Service 80; Blindwells - Tranent - Elphinstone - New Winton - Pencaitland - Saltoun - Humbie • Renumbering/Rerouting of PoH 109 - 109DRT withdrawn & replaced by Hail & Ride extension to old 109 route via Pencaitland, West/East Saltoun, & Humbie. For Ormiston, passengers can link onto 74 at Pencaitland or Tranent. Service now operates hourly between 0900 & 1700

Service 81; Haddington - Ballencrief - Dirleton circular • Renumbering of PoH 122

Service 82; Haddington local service • Renumbering of PoH 101

Service 83; Gifford circular • Renumbering of Eve 123

Service 84; Dunbar local service • Renumbering of Eve 130



2. Updated EL & ML Lothian Routes;


Service 26; Clerwood - Drum Brae - Western Corner - Haymarket - City Centre - Meadowbank - Portobello (ALDI) • Service shortened to Portobello ALDI. The EL sections will be replaced by ELT 72 & 74.

Service N26; Clermiston - Western Corner - Haymarket - Meadowbank - Portobello - Eastfield • Service shortened to Eastfield. The EL sections will be replaced by ELT N72.

Service 39; DSC - Dalkeith Heights/Woodburn - Eskbank - Lasswade - Straiton - Liberton - Cameron Toll • Service will replace ECB 139. Service frequency increased to every 30 minutes, with every other journey extending to Cameron toll. New hourly Sunday service will operate DSC - Cameron Toll, & MCH Bus stance will be omitted.

Service 40/41; Penicuik - Bush/Roslin - Loanhead - Bonnyrigg - Dalkeith - Whitecraig - Musselburgh - Eastfield • Services will replace ECB 140/141. Services extended from Musselburgh to Eastfield via Fisherrow. Musselburgh TESCO will no longer be served.

Service 44; Balerno - Juniper Green - Slateford - Dalry - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - Brunstane (Milton College) • Service curtailed at Brunstane (Milton College). For Musselburgh & Wallyford, please revert to using ELT 72 & 74

Service 46; Rosewell - Bonnyrigg - Dalkeith - Sherrifhall P&R - ERI - Fort Kinnaird - QMU - Musselburgh (Grammar School) • Now pulls into QMU Bus stance.

Service 48; Gorebridge - Newtongrange - Dalkeith - Sherrifhall P&R - ERI - Fort Kinnaird - QMU - Musselburgh (Grammar School) • Now pulls into QMU Bus stance.

 

[LothianBusesPh]

2. Updated EL & ML Lothian Routes;
Service 26; Clerwood - Drum Brae - Western Corner - Haymarket - City Centre - Meadowbank - Portobello (ALDI) • Service shortened to Portobello ALDI. The EL sections will be replaced by ELT 72 & 74.
Service N26; Clermiston - Western Corner - Haymarket - Meadowbank - Portobello - Eastfield • Service shortened to Eastfield. The EL sections will be replaced by ELT N72.
Service 39; DSC - Dalkeith Heights/Woodburn - Eskbank - Lasswade - West Edge - Liberton - Cameron Toll • Service will replace ECB 139. Service frequency increased to every 30 minutes, with every other journey extending to Cameron toll. New hourly Sunday service will operate DSC - Cameron Toll, & MCH Bus stance will be omitted.
Service 40/41; Penicuik - Bush/Roslin - Loanhead - Bonnyrigg - Dalkeith - Whitecraig - Musselburgh - Eastfield • Services will replace ECB 140/141. Services extended from Musselburgh to Eastfield via Fisherrow. Musselburgh TESCO will no longer be served.
Service 44; Balerno - Juniper Green - Slateford - Dalry - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - Brunstane (Milton College) • Service curtailed at Brunstane (Milton College). For Musselburgh & Wallyford, please revert to using ELT 72 & 74
Service 46; Rosewell - Bonnyrigg - Dalkeith - Sherrifhall P&R - ERI - Fort Kinnaird - QMU - Musselburgh (Grammar School) • Now pulls into QMU Bus stance.
Service 48; Gorebridge - Newtongrange - Dalkeith - Sherrifhall P&R - ERI - Fort Kinnaird - QMU - Musselburgh (Grammar School) • Now pulls into QMU Bus stance.

What is some people's obsessions with buses terminating awkwardly at Portobello Aldi? Surely it would be either Marine Roundabout or Eastfield (Eastfield would be better, especially for the Service 26. I reckon you could terminate the 44 at Eastfield or QMU too.

Service SCH2; Drem - Ballencrief - Longniddry - Preston Lodge HS • Extended version of ECB 128

I doubt anyone from Drem or Ballencrief will use the SCH2, so just a waste of resources.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2023 ==

I think some of the renumbering is unnecessary too.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2023 ==

My idea for revised route numbers, if you would like to know the ones they refer to, please check the post above, I kept descriptions of services the same so it's easier to navigate:

1. East Lothian Transport; EastCoast Buses, Eve Coaches, & Prentice Of Haddington operators merged into one major partnership. Each company will get a share of 1/3 of any profit made.

Service 101; Haddington local service
Service 106; QMU - Musselburgh - Wallyford P&R - Tranent - Macmerry - Haddington • Service uses 108 route between Clayknowes Road End & Haddington.
Service 107; Whitecraig - Wallyford - Tranent - A1 - Haddington - East Linton - Dunbar • Renumbering/routing of ECB 106 Dunbar journeys. Buses operate via Salters Road, before following the 106 route to Tranent Town Centre, then diverting via Church Street to Bankton Flyover, Then via X7 route to Dunbar.
Service 108; Fort Kinnaird - Musselburgh - Wallyford P&R - Tranent - Macmerry - Haddington
Service 108A; Musselburgh - Wallyford - Tranent - Elphinstone
Service 109; Blindwells - Tranent - Elphinstone - New Winton - Pencaitland - Saltoun - Humbie
Service 110; Prestonpans - Tranent - Elphinstone
Service 112; Fort Kinnaird - Wallyford - Prestonpans - Tranent - Elphinstone
Service 111; ERI - Danderhall - QMU - Musselburgh - Whitecraig - Wallyford - Port Seton - Longniddry - Ballencreif
Service 113; WGH - Meadowbank - Portobello - Musselburgh - Prestongrange - Blindwells - Tranent - Ormiston - Pencaitland
Service 120; Dunbar - Tyningham - North Berwick
Service 121; Haddington - Athelstaneford - Drem - North Berwick
Service 122; Haddington - Ballencrief - Dirleton circular
Service 123; Gifford circular
Service 124; Fountainbridge - Meadowbank - Portobello - Musselburgh - Westpans - Port Seton - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick
Service 125; Musselburgh - Wallyford P&R - Prestongrange - Longniddry - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick HS
Service 126; Aberlady - Fenton Barns - Gullane - North Berwick HS
Service 127; Longniddry - Ballencrief - Drem - Fenton Barns - North Berwick HS
Service 128; Drem - Ballencrief - Longniddry - Preston Lodge HS
Service 129; Preston Lodge HS - Blindwells - Longniddry - Ballencreif - Haddington • Renumbering of PoH 118A
Service 130; Dunbar local service
Service X5; Central Edinburgh - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - A1 - Blindwells - Longniddry - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick
Service X6; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - A1 - Wallyford - Tranent - Macmerry - Haddington
Service X7; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - A1 - Haddington - East Linton - Dunbar
Service N107; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - Musselburgh - Wallyford P&R - Tranent - Macmerry - Haddington - East Linton - Dunbar
Service N113; Haymarket - Meadowbank - Willowbrae - Musselburgh - Wallyford - Tranent - Elphinstone - Ormiston
Service N124; Fountainbridge - Meadowbank - Portobello - Musselburgh - Musselburgh - Prestongrange - Port Seton - Aberlady - Gullane - North Berwick

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 10 Jun 2023 ==

Could I state that the changes of routes above are not my suggestions!

 

[CSB0241]

What is some people's obsessions with buses terminating awkwardly at Portobello Aldi? Surely it would be either Marine Roundabout or Eastfield

I can understand as to why you think it’s a weird idea, but the only reason I think it should is if they do some hard landscaping works (see custom map below). Also I’ve done this so the bus blinds for kings road for the 45 & 12 are different (WHY DOES THE 12 SAY PORTOBELLO BUT THE 45 SAYS KINGS ROAD IF THEY’RE THE SAME TERMINUS). I think that the 1 should also be extended to portobello for a direct link between Leith Links & Portobello.

 

[roadierway77]

WHY DOES THE 12 SAY PORTOBELLO BUT THE 45 SAYS KINGS ROAD IF THEY’RE THE SAME TERMINUS

It's a bit odd yes but I assume the reason is because the 45 doesn't go right into the centre of Portobello, stopping short at King's Road from the west, while the 12 does go through central Portobello on its way to King's Road from the east. Showing only King's Road on the 45's display means there is less chance that passengers will get on thinking the bus goes right through to Portobello town hall.

 

[LothianBusesPh]

I can understand as to why you think it’s a weird idea, but the only reason I think it should is if they do some hard landscaping works (see custom map below). Also I’ve done this so the bus blinds for kings road for the 45 & 12 are different (WHY DOES THE 12 SAY PORTOBELLO BUT THE 45 SAYS KINGS ROAD IF THEY’RE THE SAME TERMINUS). I think that the 1 should also be extended to portobello for a direct link between Leith Links & Portobello.

But this just makes no sense. The Service 26 would need to go via Portobello Town Hall at least to Eastfield so the Town Hall gets another service. The 12 practically does end at Portobello ALDI, it just does a turn and driver breaks at Marine. The 45 doesn't go into Portobello, hence why the destinations say King's Road, because that's where it terminates. A service from Portobello to Seafield has been tried many times but there doesn't seem to be enough passengers on them, a prime example being the Eve Coaches 129 service.

There is a direct link between Portobello and Leith Links, the Service 49, although it does serve useful places in Craigentinny doing so, although I'd still class it as direct.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

A service from Portobello to Seafield has been tried many times but there doesn't seem to be enough passengers on them, a prime example being the Eve Coaches 129 service.

There is a direct link between Portobello and Leith Links, the Service 49, although it does serve useful places in Craigentinny doing so, although I'd still class it as direct.

The problem is that while I do understand the arguement that the link is not strong enough, heck the odd 69 extension around 2015 via Fillyside proved to be next to useless! Times do change and I've always maintained the belief that if the route works then surely the link will!

Allow me to be more specific.

Okay so a few specific details I can remember off the top of my head, the last few routes except the 69 to run via Fillyside to Seafield are the 12 (till 2008?) And the 129 (till 2015/6?)

The 12 a long time ago ran to The Jewel from the Gyle Centre, and via Portobello from Moira Terrace, Fillyside and Seafield, then it was cut back to Kings Road (Portobello side) and then after 2008 finally being cut back to Seafield, so overtime the link was getting weaker therefore the cut.

The 129 Seton Sands to Ocean Terminal service from what I remember ran every 90 minutes? And that provided Musselburgh and Portobello a direct link to Seafield and Ocean Terminal, both ideas sound good on paper but how was the service? I travelled on it a few times during its last few years from Ocean Terminal to Portobello and found it to be an okay and fast reliable service, it was more convenient than switching buses in Leith, but sadly that service was also withdrawn and since then the link has been non existent.

My verdict is that the link could potentially work if utilised right! I remember the petition circulating around twitter awhile back for Lothian buses to reinstate a link from Portobello to Leith via Seafield and it seemed to have gained some traction, but as predicted it didn't go ahead.

Most folk would think that the most logical solution would be to extend an existing service, like say Extend the 1 to Eastfield, the 12 to Ocean Terminal via Fillyside, or the 200 to Musselburgh via Constitution Street? it would be more convenient than inventing a new service just for this link, and it's not like Lothian to not go back to old places left unserved for a long time, the 29 is a fine example with it being extended to Silverknowes Promanade, or the 41/47 rerouting via Cramond Road South reinstating that old link?

My point is that Lothian could of not done that and left these areas long forgotten, another example I can think of is The Wisp, which last had the 118 run up that way a year ago I think but was withdrawn but was conveniently used when Greendykes road was shut! The Wisp and Seafield have one thing in common, at the worst is times the traffic is terrible but otherwise it's a faster and handy alternative.

So If Lothian decides to try and route a bus via Fillyside again in the future, I honestly can't answer that because I don't know, but it's always possible! With Seafield and Ocean Terminal developing more it does see opportunities for a direct bus link along that corridor.

If I had to personally pick I would go with either one of the suggestions I highlighted above as an example, the 200 could run to Musselburgh Tesco and give East Lothian/Portobello residents a link to the Airport and Ocean Terminal/Musselburgh, the 140/141 could do the same (except go to the Airport) and also give Midlothian residents the link.

The 1/12 extension could add 15-20 minutes onto the route already and would only require at least one extra bus? and if it's not a direct service at least it fills the gap and could be potentially popular amongst punters!

Anyway sorry for the long paragraph after paragraph! But those are my honest thoughts on the subject and would love to hear your thoughts.

 

[stevenedin]

I think that the 1 could be extended to Eastfield via Fillyside Road and Craigentinny Avenue then turn left to go to towards King’s Road, the 19 could either go back to King’s Road or turn left and terminate at Seafield directly via Seafield Road East and Seafield Road.

The 1 would no longer serve Seafield Street if this was the case.

 

[Bus9120UK]

I think that the 1 could be extended to Eastfield via Gillyside Road and Craigentinny Avenue then turn left to go to towards King’s Road, the 19 could either go back to King’s Road or turn left and terminate at Seafield directly via Seafield Road East and Seafield Road.

The 1 would no longer serve Seafield Street if this was the case.

I feel at this point there would just be too many buses from similar areas in the West to similar areas in the East.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

I think that the 1 could be extended to Eastfield via Gillyside Road and Craigentinny Avenue then turn left to go to towards King’s Road, the 19 could either go back to King’s Road or turn left and terminate at Seafield directly via Seafield Road East and Seafield Road.

The 1 would no longer serve Seafield Street if this was the case.

Honestly I feel like there should be a solution that doesn't involve cutting back the 19 either, I said the 1 for Eastfield but to be fair The Jewel could also work as a Terminus! Even if it did run past Eastfield and up Brunstane turning into ASDA that way as opposed to copying the 49.

To be fair they are the bus stops outside Seafield Crematorium and the abandoned bus stops outside Arnold Clark and McDonalds, it's not like residents that use the stop in Seafield Street would be that inconvenienced!

I feel at this point there would just be too many buses from similar areas in the West to similar areas in the East.

Besides the 19,21,26,44,45, 200 and 400. Is too many that bad? Fillyside and The Wisp are the only areas within Edinburgh without any bus link and between the two of them I would say the Seafield link would be more popular amongst the two

 

[ScotRail158725]

Besides the 19,21,26,44,45, 200 and 400. Is too many that bad? Fillyside and The Wisp are the only areas within Edinburgh without any bus link and between the two of them I would say the Seafield link would be more popular amongst the two

The wisp has had a semi frequent bus service every couple of months for the past two years when The surface of the moon a.k.a Greendykes Road gets resurfaced

 

[LothianBusesPh]

The wisp has had a semi frequent bus service every couple of months for the past two years when The surface of the moon a.k.a Greendykes Road gets resurfaced

Best road in Britain!

 

[ScotRail158725]

Best road in Britain!

I’ve never known a road so uneven in my life. It amazes me how after a fortnight of it being redone its littered with potholes like it wasn’t even touched!

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

I’ve never known a road so uneven in my life. It amazes me how after a fortnight of it being redone its littered with potholes like it wasn’t even touched!

Having just returned from the US where a pothole was a rare thing where I was, it amazes me how bad our roads actually are. Something clearly doesn’t work. The roads where I was are built to cope with tropical weather so they get a fair hit with the rain and sun.

Going back to the points others made. I don’t like the idea of extending the 1. It for me then is going to create unnecessary links in most parts, mostly due to the similarities of the 19.

The best bus to serve this Ocean Terminal to Portobello corridor in my view has to be a suburban service that therefore not serve the City Centre. Dare I say it the 21 might be best suited to pick up some of it, with another service doing part of its current section that is taken away.

The most obvious solution in my eyes is still a new route though.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

The best bus to serve this Ocean Terminal to Portobello corridor in my view has to be a suburban service that therefore not serve the City Centre. Dare I say it the 21 might be best suited to pick up some of it, with another service doing part of its current section that is taken away.

The most obvious solution in my eyes is still a new route though.

If the 32 was still a thing, I would of maybe said that would be the best suggestion, without drastically altering the 21 route!

For example

32 Wester Hailes to The Jewel
Via Brunstane, Eastfield, Portobello, Seafield, The Shore, Ocean Terminal, Newhaven, Granton, Muirhouse, Davidson Mains, Drum Brae North, Broomhall, Sighthill, Westside Plaza and Baberton

Every 30 minutes Monday to Sunday and Hourly in the evenings, a semi similar but alternative route to the 21 with a few connection points, Portobello, Davidson Mains and Sighthill!

I very much doubt they would have the resources to resurrect the 32 and the only other benefit would be that it would take pressure off the 200 between Ocean Terminal and Corstorphine, which I can't imagine would be that much.

 

[roadierway77]

If a route was to be introduced between Leith and Portobello via Fillyside Road, there are so many options for how it could be done - extend the 1, extend the 12, extend the 200, extend the 140/141, reroute the 19... I'd even throw in extending the 15 as a wildcard, send it up Leith Walk and across to Portobello, terminating either at Eastfield or Musselburgh Tesco.

The best bus to serve this Ocean Terminal to Portobello corridor in my view has to be a suburban service that therefore not serve the City Centre. Dare I say it the 21 might be best suited to pick up some of it, with another service doing part of its current section that is taken away.

The most obvious solution in my eyes is still a new route though.

How about something like this - an idea I came up with on the spot.

The 21 would be split into two routes, let's say the 21 and 28.

The 21 would run from Clovenstone to the Infirmary via its current route. The 28 would run from the Gyle Centre to Musselburgh, along the 21 route until the foot of Easter Road, then to Musselburgh Tesco via Hermitage Place, Claremont Park, Seafield Place, Seafield Road, Seafield Road East, Fillyside Road, Craigentinny Avenue, Craigentinny Road, Wakefield Avenue, and the route of the 26.

Then a new route would be introduced, let's give it the number 17, running every half hour along the route of the 21 from Ocean Terminal to the Infirmary, which could also be extended to northern Shawfair in the future.

This maintains the 15 minute frequency along the 21 corridor, alongside providing a new link from Ocean Terminal to the Infirmary, provides a bus service to the Leith-Portobello corridor that avoids the city centre, and creates new direct connections from Musselburgh and Joppa to north Edinburgh and the Gyle Centre. Direct connections between the west of the city and Portobello are also still maintained through the 28, albeit at a lower frequency, though I imagine demand for this is relatively low considering the length of journey, and plenty of alternative options are available through the 12, 19 and 26. The only section the 17, 21 and 28 overlap is between Junction Bridge and Easter Road, a very short section, thus there wouldn't be any stretches of the current 21's route that would suddenly become overserved.

Here's a summary:

17 | Ocean Terminal - Royal Infirmary
via Leith, Lochend, Portobello and Niddrie.
Every 30 minutes.

21 | Clovenstone - Royal Infirmary
via Sighthill, Drum Brae, Davidson's Mains, Leith, Lochend, Portobello and Niddrie.
Every 30 minutes.

28 | Gyle Centre - Musselburgh
via Drum Brae, Davidson's Mains, Leith, Seafield and Portobello.
Every 30 minutes.