Lothian group (Network/Route Speculation)

[LothianBusesPh]

This is just a bit overkill or pointless for some of the changes. A Service X49 from Lochend to Sturgeon's Hall is pointless too. Why can't you just do a few peak runs if anything or an X25 from Lochend to Heriot Watt, killing 2 birds with one stone, I wouldn't be able to know how busy it is as I'm not at that area during those times. Also remember that even though none of us want to think about them, the trams do serve there.

 

[EdinRH]

Lothian will not serve Shotts.

Lothian have had non-Lothians destinations on destination blinds, so they must have considered the possibility of serving destinations further afield.

Peebles appeared for a while (and actually appeared in service when it was replaced by Queen Margaret University on the blinds and a bus which still had an older blind was sent out on a service to QMU)

I have also seen a picture of a Lothian bus with Dunfermline on the blind. I have heard that Lothian actually operated a service to Dunfermline briefly, but don't remember it. Is this true?

 

[DunsBus]

Lothian have had non-Lothians destinations on destination blinds, so they must have considered the possibility of serving destinations further afield.

Peebles appeared for a while (and actually appeared in service when it was replaced by Queen Margaret University on the blinds and a bus which still had an older blind was sent out on a service to QMU)

I have also seen a picture of a Lothian bus with Dunfermline on the blind. I have heard that Lothian actually operated a service to Dunfermline briefly, but don't remember it. Is this true?

X99, which ran between Waverley Bridge and Deep Sea World, in the late-1990s. Some journeys extended to/from Dunfermline.

 

[DespacitoPlayz]

72: This could extend to Bathgate via the existing 21 route. An Airport extension could be a future project but not something I’d suggest is likely at the moment. This should really be single decker operated in my opinion but owing to the amount of vehicles available it would probably need to be double deckers.

73: This route would be a half hourly double decker route running between Broxburn and Fauldhouse via Pumpherston and West Calder, but serving St John’s and Howden on the way.

74: Of all the routes this is the one I see as a much less likely option, but this would run from Bathgate to Fauldhouse via the existing 26 route. It would be half hourly with double deckers and likely interworking with the 73.

This is really the absolute best case scenario. Too many routes there? I think so.

Seems the route numbers came to be with the changes stated in the Lothian Group Discussion forum! Here's the link here! https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2023/10/w_l_l_c/

I mean, do all the buses in one of the poshest places in the city really need to go to Granton College? I highly doubt it. So, what if, & this is a really odd hypothetical, I do know that, the 9 & 45 swapped termini? The 45 could go down to Waterfront & Co., with the 9 could head east to Portobello, even being extended to somewhere like Seafield or Ocean Terminal!

9 | KB - Blackford - Marchmont - Southside - Bristo Square - City Centre - York Place - Abbeyhill - Peirshill - Kings Road - Seafield - Leith Links | Every 20min Mon-Fri, every 30min Saturday, every 40min Sunday, every 60min evenings | Allocated to 401-425 & 951-960

45 | Riccarton - Currie - Juniper Green - Colinton - Craiglockhart - Merchiston - Bruntsfield - Lauriston - City Centre - Bellevue - Inverleith - Pilton - Granton Square - West Granton - Muirhouse | Every 30min Mon-Sat, every 60min Sundays | Allocated to E400MMCs & E400EVs

I will say 1 thing about the allocations. Keep the EVs on the 9.

I like how you've extended the 9 from King's Road to Leith Links. I would maybe swap the terminis of your revised 9 and the current 19, having the 9 go via Portobello and the 19 follow your suggested 9 route from Kings Road. This will bring better connections for the Southside to Portobello, which will support the demand of said connections which Service 12 covers. In the Portobello point of view, the 49 is useless to get people there in a fast speed.

One of very few agreeing with you on this one, CSB!

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Decided to come up with my own Lothian Country network. This is how I would have it. It will never happen, but I think overall this covers everything and would work rather nicely, I hope!

Bold/Italic - Peak Time Extension


X17: Fauldhouse - Eastfield Road - Longridge - Dixon Terrace - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Shanks Road - East Whitburn - Blackburn - Seafield - Livingston Village - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Craigshill - Fastlink - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X18 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh.


X18: Rigghouse Road - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Shanks Road - Armadale - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Dechmont - Uphall - Broxburn - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X17 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn - Edinburgh.


X17 and X18 also divert to serve RBS Gogarburn in the peak hours.


X27: Rigghouse Road - Whitburn - East Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Blackburn (Ash Grove) - Seafield - Eliburn - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Howden East - The Centre - Dedridge North - Dedridge West - Dedridge East - Main Street - Mid Calder - Calderwood - Camps - Wilkieston - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 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 - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Craigshill East - The Centre - Dedridge East - Calder Park Road - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X27 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Edinburgh.


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

Hourly service with double decks.


275: Boghall Estate - Boghall - Bathgate Station - Bathgate - Morrisons - Wester Inch - Blackburn - Ash Grove - Seafield - Sky TV - Simpson Parkway - Rosebank Roundabout - Kirkton South - The Centre - Craigshill - Grange Road - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Newbridge - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park Station - Hermiston Gait - Edinburgh College (Sighthill) - Hermiston P&R - Research Park - Heriot-Watt University

Half hourly service with single decks.


276: Livingston South Station - Murieston West - Murieston East - Murieston - Bellsquarry - Dedridge North - The Centre - ASDA - Howden South - St John’s Hospital - Fastlink - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh School Campus - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Ferrymuir Tesco - Echline Corner - High Street - Scotstoun

Hourly service with single decks.


280: Blackridge - Armadale - Lower Bathville - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans South - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell West - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Dedridge West - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Stoneyburn - Bents - Fauldhouse

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 281 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston.

281: Fauldhouse - Longridge - Whitburn Cross - East Whitburn - M8 Junction 4 Distribution Centre - Birniehill - Morrisons - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans North - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Howden South - ASDA - The Centre - Kirkton South - Rosebank Roundabout - Simpson Parkway - Sky TV

Half hourly service with single decks. Frequency combined with 280 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston. Some Monday to Friday peak journeys would extend as above.


Like I say this will never ever happen, but it was a bit of fun building it for sure. The only thing not included that I was tempted by was an Airport route, but I decided there was more than adequate coverage in Citylink’s 902.

 

[jb66]

Decided to come up with my own Lothian Country network. This is how I would have it. It will never happen, but I think overall this covers everything and would work rather nicely, I hope!

Bold/Italic - Peak Time Extension


X17: Fauldhouse - Eastfield Road - Longridge - Dixon Terrace - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Shanks Road - East Whitburn - Blackburn - Seafield - Livingston Village - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Craigshill - Fastlink - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X18 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh.


X18: Rigghouse Road - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Shanks Road - Armadale - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Dechmont - Uphall - Broxburn - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X17 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn - Edinburgh.


X17 and X18 also divert to serve RBS Gogarburn in the peak hours.


X27: Rigghouse Road - Whitburn - East Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Blackburn (Ash Grove) - Seafield - Eliburn - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Howden East - The Centre - Dedridge North - Dedridge West - Dedridge East - Main Street - Mid Calder - Calderwood - Camps - Wilkieston - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 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 - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Craigshill East - The Centre - Dedridge East - Calder Park Road - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X27 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Edinburgh.


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

Hourly service with double decks.


275: Boghall Estate - Boghall - Bathgate Station - Bathgate - Morrisons - Wester Inch - Blackburn - Ash Grove - Seafield - Sky TV - Simpson Parkway - Rosebank Roundabout - Kirkton South - The Centre - Craigshill - Grange Road - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Newbridge - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park Station - Hermiston Gait - Edinburgh College (Sighthill) - Hermiston P&R - Research Park - Heriot-Watt University

Half hourly service with single decks.


276: Livingston South Station - Murieston West - Murieston East - Murieston - Bellsquarry - Dedridge North - The Centre - ASDA - Howden South - St John’s Hospital - Fastlink - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh School Campus - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Ferrymuir Tesco - Echline Corner - High Street - Scotstoun

Hourly service with single decks.


280: Blackridge - Armadale - Lower Bathville - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans South - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell West - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Dedridge West - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Stoneyburn - Bents - Fauldhouse

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 281 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston.

281: Fauldhouse - Longridge - Whitburn Cross - East Whitburn - M8 Junction 4 Distribution Centre - Birniehill - Morrisons - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans North - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Howden South - ASDA - The Centre - Kirkton South - Rosebank Roundabout - Simpson Parkway - Sky TV

Half hourly service with single decks. Frequency combined with 280 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston. Some Monday to Friday peak journeys would extend as above.


Like I say this will never ever happen, but it was a bit of fun building it for sure. The only thing not included that I was tempted by was an Airport route, but I decided there was more than adequate coverage in Citylink’s 902.

For the fun of it let's pretend Citylink pull the 902?

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

For the fun of it Let's pretend citylink pull the 902?

I’d probably go boring to be honest and create a 300 between The Centre and the Airport. Could run via West Lothian College, St John’s Hospital, Fastlink, Deer Park, Uphall, Broxburn, Winchburgh, Kirkliston, Ingliston P&R and into the Airport. Half hourly with single decks I think would do nicely there. Sound like a familiar route?

Just to add. The slightly odd choice of route for the 276 between Pumpherston and The Centre was purely so Pumpherston had a link to St John’s Hospital. That I intended to start as hourly with a view to grow it.

 

[Jordan Adam]

Decided to come up with my own Lothian Country network. This is how I would have it. It will never happen, but I think overall this covers everything and would work rather nicely, I hope!

Bold/Italic - Peak Time Extension


X17: Fauldhouse - Eastfield Road - Longridge - Dixon Terrace - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Shanks Road - East Whitburn - Blackburn - Seafield - Livingston Village - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Craigshill - Fastlink - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X18 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh.


X18: Rigghouse Road - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Shanks Road - Armadale - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Dechmont - Uphall - Broxburn - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X17 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn - Edinburgh.


X17 and X18 also divert to serve RBS Gogarburn in the peak hours.


X27: Rigghouse Road - Whitburn - East Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - Blackburn (Ash Grove) - Seafield - Eliburn - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Howden East - The Centre - Dedridge North - Dedridge West - Dedridge East - Main Street - Mid Calder - Calderwood - Camps - Wilkieston - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 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 - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Craigshill East - The Centre - Dedridge East - Calder Park Road - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X27 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Edinburgh.


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

Hourly service with double decks.


275: Boghall Estate - Boghall - Bathgate Station - Bathgate - Morrisons - Wester Inch - Blackburn - Ash Grove - Seafield - Sky TV - Simpson Parkway - Rosebank Roundabout - Kirkton South - The Centre - Craigshill - Grange Road - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Newbridge - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park Station - Hermiston Gait - Edinburgh College (Sighthill) - Hermiston P&R - Research Park - Heriot-Watt University

Half hourly service with single decks.


276: Livingston South Station - Murieston West - Murieston East - Murieston - Bellsquarry - Dedridge North - The Centre - ASDA - Howden South - St John’s Hospital - Fastlink - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh School Campus - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Ferrymuir Tesco - Echline Corner - High Street - Scotstoun

Hourly service with single decks.


280: Blackridge - Armadale - Lower Bathville - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans South - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell West - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Dedridge West - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Stoneyburn - Bents - Fauldhouse

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 281 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston.

281: Fauldhouse - Longridge - Whitburn Cross - East Whitburn - M8 Junction 4 Distribution Centre - Birniehill - Morrisons - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans North - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell East - St John’s Hospital - Howden South - ASDA - The Centre - Kirkton South - Rosebank Roundabout - Simpson Parkway - Sky TV

Half hourly service with single decks. Frequency combined with 280 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston. Some Monday to Friday peak journeys would extend as above.


Like I say this will never ever happen, but it was a bit of fun building it for sure. The only thing not included that I was tempted by was an Airport route, but I decided there was more than adequate coverage in Citylink’s 902.

Some good ideas although i'd change a few things.

The X17 would probably be better going to Deans via Ladywell East, Ladywell West and Eliburn thus covering links that either don't have a direct rail connection or aren't already covered. Having it go to Fauldhouse via Whitburn is just duplicating links already covered by the X18, X27, 275 and 281 some of which will have limited demand. This would also allow both the 280 and 281 to go direct up Alderstone Road offering a more consistent and direct service between Livingston and Bathgate. Alternatively it could go to Fauldhouse via Loganlea as per the previous incarnation although that always seemed a bit of a pointless route given the long journey times and niche links it provided

If the GreenArrow concept was ever to come back then two routes that could potentially work are.

EX1: Edinburgh - Ratho - M8 - Boghall - Bathgate - Armadale - Whitburn
EX2: Edinburgh - Sighthill - A71 - Livingston - Livingston Village - Seafield - Blackburn - Whitburn

The EX1 would likely require adjustments to the network where there's duplication (such as with the X18). The EX2 would offer very competitive journey times vs the car and caters to areas with no rail connections, Edinburgh to Livingston could be covered via this route in around 40 minutes off peak.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Some good ideas although i'd change a few things.

The X17 would probably be better going to Deans via Ladywell East, Ladywell West and Eliburn thus covering links that either don't have a direct rail connection or aren't already covered. Having it go to Fauldhouse via Whitburn is just duplicating links already covered by the X18, X27, 275 and 281 some of which will have limited demand. This would also allow both the 280 and 281 to go direct up Alderstone Road offering a more consistent and direct service between Livingston and Bathgate. Alternatively it could go to Fauldhouse via Loganlea as per the previous incarnation although that always seemed a bit of a pointless route given the long journey times and niche links it provided

If the GreenArrow concept was ever to come back then two routes that could potentially work are.

EX1: Edinburgh - Ratho - M8 - Boghall - Bathgate - Armadale - Whitburn
EX2: Edinburgh - Sighthill - A71 - Livingston - Livingston Village - Seafield - Blackburn - Whitburn

The EX1 would likely require adjustments to the network where there's duplication (such as with the X18). The EX2 would offer very competitive journey times vs the car and caters to areas with no rail connections, Edinburgh to Livingston could be covered via this route in around 40 minutes off peak.

I’ve had a slight rethink about it, which includes speeding up the 280/281. Ladywell West will instead be served by another new route. A more local route designed to offer a faster link to The Centre from Knightsridge whilst also speeding up the 280/281 by making them run more or less direct. That new route will continue onto Loganlea then possibly Bathgate which also doubles the number of buses travelling to the likes of West Calder as well.

The X17 to Fauldhouse was probably more of a peak idea thing at first but I built on it. I think there’s sufficient demand for a combined every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Whitburn though. I felt Whitburn was really the key to the whole thing as it’s the biggest place without the railway.

Eliburn has the X27 so either you could swap the X17 and X27 or just leave them, but then it could mess up Howden as well in the process. I felt there was probably slightly more demand from Livingston Village for the faster route to Edinburgh. Another option could be to swap those over and change the X40 as well to serve Eliburn.

I should say my ideas aren’t meant to be all that realistic, but not totally crazy either.

 

[Jordan Adam]

I’ve had a slight rethink about it, which includes speeding up the 280/281. Ladywell West will instead be served by another new route. A more local route designed to offer a faster link to The Centre from Knightsridge whilst also speeding up the 280/281 by making them run more or less direct. That new route will continue onto Loganlea then possibly Bathgate which also doubles the number of buses travelling to the likes of West Calder as well.

That route could perhaps be tied in to the Murieston service providing additional links from Livingston South Station?

The X17 to Fauldhouse was probably more of a peak idea thing at first but I built on it. I think there’s sufficient demand for a combined every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Whitburn though. I felt Whitburn was really the key to the whole thing as it’s the biggest place without the railway.

I would generally agree that Livingston - Whitburn could do with an improved 15 or 20 minute frequency, however with the X17, X18 and X27 that would be six buses per hour to Edinburgh which is a bit excessive. The main issue really being that almost all the links provided by the X17 are provided by other routes.

Eliburn has the X27 so either you could swap the X17 and X27 or just leave them, but then it could mess up Howden as well in the process. I felt there was probably slightly more demand from Livingston Village for the faster route to Edinburgh. Another option could be to swap those over and change the X40 as well to serve Eliburn.

The X27 would be faster from Livingston to Edinburgh than the X17, so in terms of offering a faster route from Whitburn/Blackburn/Seafield to Edinburgh its probably better suited to take the more direct route via Livingston Village with the X17 going via Eliburn, since the X17 would only go to Deans it wouldn't matter as much if it takes a slower route after The Centre. Although as you say it would leave a gap within Howden, perhaps if the 276 were half hourly part route it could be revised to operate via Howden and Ladywell instead of Pumpherston which would be covered by the 275 anyway.

I should say my ideas aren’t meant to be all that realistic, but not totally crazy either.

Of course, there are all just hypothetical ideas based on "ideal circumstances" which are unlikely to exist at least in the short term.

In reality the priority just now is without a doubt to cover the key links and offer the best level of service possible with the resources available. For example in the long term i'd be surprised if the 72 continues to serve Fauldhouse, they've likely only done that just now because it gives Fauldhouse two buses per hour while using the least number of resources possible as the 72 if it didn't extend to Fauldhouse would otherwise have excessive layover. Likewise the 73 to me clearly seems like more of a temporary solution. As someone else pointed out on another thread the network seems to have been designed with the upcoming replacement tenders for the Shotts and Armadale services in mind.

If Lothian do get those tenders i'll certainly be grabbing the popcorn and awaiting the tweets from certain individuals from another company...

 

[Busman757]

McGill's pull out of West Lothian.

Here is my input:

I feel the top priority is to cover areas that are lost to Eastern’s withdrawal:

Route 26 areas (Fauldhouse etc)
Blackridge
Pumpherston and Uphall Station.

LCB routes:

• 18/X18: 18 journeys - 1x journey per hour Edinburgh to Blackridge via current X18 route as far as Armadale Cross. X18 journeys - 2x buses per hour current route (every 20 mins combined 18/X18 between Armadale and Edinburgh). In Whitburn, X18 extended to Heartlands services via Righouse Estate.
• X27: Route extended from Livingston to Whitburn (Heartlands Services) via Livingston Village - Every 30 Mins
• X28: No change to route. Increased to every 30 mins.
• 43: No Change
• X40: No Change
• 72: Service Withdrawn (see service X17)

No change to night bus services.

New services:

• X17: St John’s Hospital-Edinburgh, via Alderstone Road, Livingston Centre, Craigshill, Pumpherston, Uphall Station, Uphall, Broxburn, Winchburgh, Kirkliston, X18 route from Newbridge. Every 30 mins (included Winchburgh and Kirkliston as potential for more passengers than continuing from Broxburn Main Street-Kilpunt Roundabout).
• 76: Livingston Centre - Bathgate via Polbeth, West Calder, Loganlea, Addiewell, Stoneyburn, Fauldhouse, Longridge, Whitburn, J4 M8, Bathgate Town Centre, Bathgate Railway station. Hourly
• 80: Old 280 route - hourly

Future:

• 63: South Queensferry-Riccarton: Every 40 mins

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

That route could perhaps be tied in to the Murieston service providing additional links from Livingston South Station?

I would generally agree that Livingston - Whitburn could do with an improved 15 or 20 minute frequency, however with the X17, X18 and X27 that would be six buses per hour to Edinburgh which is a bit excessive. The main issue really being that almost all the links provided by the X17 are provided by other routes.

The X27 would be faster from Livingston to Edinburgh than the X17, so in terms of offering a faster route from Whitburn/Blackburn/Seafield to Edinburgh its probably better suited to take the more direct route via Livingston Village with the X17 going via Eliburn, since the X17 would only go to Deans it wouldn't matter as much if it takes a slower route after The Centre. Although as you say it would leave a gap within Howden, perhaps if the 276 were half hourly part route it could be revised to operate via Howden and Ladywell instead of Pumpherston which would be covered by the 275 anyway.

Of course, there are all just hypothetical ideas based on "ideal circumstances" which are unlikely to exist at least in the short term.

In reality the priority just now is without a doubt to cover the key links and offer the best level of service possible with the resources available. For example in the long term i'd be surprised if the 72 continues to serve Fauldhouse, they've likely only done that just now because it gives Fauldhouse two buses per hour while using the least number of resources possible as the 72 if it didn't extend to Fauldhouse would otherwise have excessive layover. Likewise the 73 to me clearly seems like more of a temporary solution. As someone else pointed out on another thread the network seems to have been designed with the upcoming replacement tenders for the Shotts and Armadale services in mind.

If Lothian do get those tenders i'll certainly be grabbing the popcorn and awaiting the tweets from certain individuals from another company...

So I broke it down slightly again. I looked further into the X17 and X27 journey times and found that they were overall pretty similar, but definitely not the same. I was keen to keep what I had in Howden and that probably meant it was just going to be easier to stick with what I had originally in that part. The X17 and 281 have been slightly changed in Whitburn so as to offer a link to the J4 Distribution Centre from the West End.

Anyway here’s how it looks now with a new 285 added and also the 276 renumbered to 270. An Airport bound 250 has also been added:


Bold/Italic - Peak Time Extension/Certain Journeys Only


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

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X18 to offer an every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh.


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

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X17 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh.


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

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 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 - Ladywell East (E) - St John’s Hospital - Craigshill East - The Centre - Dedridge East - Calder Park Road - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 285 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Deans and Livingston. Frequency also combined with X27 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Edinburgh.


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

Hourly service with double decks.


250: The Centre - Fastlink - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh - Kirklands Park - Kirkliston - Ingliston P&R - Edinburgh Airport

Half hourly 24/7 service with single decks.


270: Livingston South Station - Murieston West - Murieston East - Murieston - Bellsquarry - Dedridge North - The Centre - ASDA - Howden South - St John’s Hospital - Ladywell East (E) - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh School Campus - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Ferrymuir Tesco - Echline Corner - High Street - Scotstoun

Half hourly service with single decks.


275: Boghall Estate - Boghall - Bathgate Station - Bathgate - Morrisons - Wester Inch - Blackburn - Seafield - Sky TV - Simpson Parkway - Rosebank Roundabout - Kirkton South - The Centre - Craigshill - Grange Road - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Newbridge - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park Station - Hermiston Gait - Edinburgh College (Sighthill) - Hermiston P&R - Research Park - Heriot-Watt University

Half hourly service with single decks.


280: Blackridge - Armadale - Lower Bathville - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans South - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Dedridge North - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Stoneyburn - Bents - Fauldhouse

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 281 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston. Frequency also combined with 285 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Loganlea.


281: Fauldhouse - Longridge - Dixon Terrace - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - East Whitburn - M8 Junction 4 Distribution Centre - Birniehill - Morrisons - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans North - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - Howden South - ASDA - The Centre - Kirkton South - Rosebank Roundabout - Simpson Parkway - Sky TV

Half hourly service with single decks. Frequency combined with 280 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston.


285: Deans North/Nellburn Roundabout - Deans South - Deans North - Carmondean Centre - Knightsridge - Ladywell West - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - Howden East - ASDA - The Centre - Dedridge West - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Blackburn - Ash Grove - Boghall - Bathgate - Morrisons

Half hourly service with single decks. Frequency combined with X28 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Deans and Livingston. Frequency also combined with 280 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Loganlea.

 

[freddiem]

So I broke it down slightly again. I looked further into the X17 and X27 journey times and found that they were overall pretty similar, but definitely not the same. I was keen to keep what I had in Howden and that probably meant it was just going to be easier to stick with what I had originally in that part. The X17 and 281 have been slightly changed in Whitburn so as to offer a link to the J4 Distribution Centre from the West End.

Anyway here’s how it looks now with a new 285 added and also the 276 renumbered to 270. An Airport bound 250 has also been added:


Bold/Italic - Peak Time Extension/Certain Journeys Only


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

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X18 to offer an every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh.


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

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with X17 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh.


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

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 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 - Ladywell East (E) - St John’s Hospital - Craigshill East - The Centre - Dedridge East - Calder Park Road - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Hermiston P&R - Edinburgh

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 285 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Deans and Livingston. Frequency also combined with X27 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Edinburgh.


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

Hourly service with double decks.


250: The Centre - Fastlink - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh - Kirklands Park - Kirkliston - Ingliston P&R - Edinburgh Airport

Half hourly 24/7 service with single decks.


270: Livingston South Station - Murieston West - Murieston East - Murieston - Bellsquarry - Dedridge North - The Centre - ASDA - Howden South - St John’s Hospital - Ladywell East (E) - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh School Campus - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Ferrymuir Tesco - Echline Corner - High Street - Scotstoun

Half hourly service with single decks.


275: Boghall Estate - Boghall - Bathgate Station - Bathgate - Morrisons - Wester Inch - Blackburn - Seafield - Sky TV - Simpson Parkway - Rosebank Roundabout - Kirkton South - The Centre - Craigshill - Grange Road - Pumpherston - Uphall Station - Uphall - Broxburn - Newbridge - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park Station - Hermiston Gait - Edinburgh College (Sighthill) - Hermiston P&R - Research Park - Heriot-Watt University

Half hourly service with single decks.


280: Blackridge - Armadale - Lower Bathville - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans South - Carmondean Centre - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - West Lothian College - The Centre - Dedridge North - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Stoneyburn - Bents - Fauldhouse

Half hourly service with double decks. Frequency combined with 281 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston. Frequency also combined with 285 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Loganlea.


281: Fauldhouse - Longridge - Dixon Terrace - Whitburn - Whitburn Cross - East Whitburn - M8 Junction 4 Distribution Centre - Birniehill - Morrisons - Bathgate - Boghall - Tesco Distribution Centre - Deans North - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - Howden South - ASDA - The Centre - Kirkton South - Rosebank Roundabout - Simpson Parkway - Sky TV

Half hourly service with single decks. Frequency combined with 280 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Bathgate and Livingston.


285: Deans North/Nellburn Roundabout - Deans South - Deans North - Carmondean Centre - Knightsridge - Ladywell West - Ladywell East (W) - St John’s Hospital - Howden East - ASDA - The Centre - Dedridge West - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Addiewell - Blackburn - Ash Grove - Boghall - Bathgate - Morrisons

Half hourly service with single decks. Frequency combined with X28 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Deans and Livingston. Frequency also combined with 280 to offer an every 15 minutes service between Livingston and Loganlea.

I like a lot of the ideas here, like the thinking to create solid combined frequencies on many parts of the network. I understand the links you are trying to create but suspect 6 buses per hour is too much for Fauldhouse. Not sure what I would change as yet but feel that could be significant amounts of fresh air carried about

 

[bobdoe]

A separate service Uphall - Uphall Station - Pumpherston - Almond S Rd - The Centre - Dedridge W - Murieston circular would be more efficient.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 14 Oct 2023 ==


The great Edinburgh circular route

Marine Depot - Sir Harry Lauder Rd - Fort Kinnaird - QMU - Millerhill - Sheriffhall P&R - A720 - Straiton P&R - A720 - Westside Plaza - Hermiston Gait - A720 - Maybury (use Gyle Park Gdns to turn) - A90 - Ferry Road - A199 - Marine Depot

 

[CSB0241]

Ok, I like the new Lothian Country changes, but there is one key aspect I find irritating; the 72 is now gonna be over 2 hours long (local buses shouldn’t exceed 1h 45m in my opinion). Also, since the route is just over 2 hours, the peak vehicle requirement (PVR) will be 5 rather than 4. I think it should be curtailed at Pumpherston with a second service doing the other run.

My custom changes;
43, 73, 74, X18, X28, N18, N28, N43 remain unchanged

72 curtailed to Pumpherston. New service 79 will replace the section between Pumpherston & Kirkliston

NEW 77 between Colinton & Livingston Bus Station via Juniper Green, Balerno Main Street, Kirknewton, Calderwood, Mid Calder, & Almondvale (buses will operate via B7015 rather than via the Livingston Fastlink) every 60min Mon-Sat, every 90min Sundays

NEW 79 between Queensferry (opp. Echline Rigg) & Livingston South Station via Queensferry Town Centre, Kirkliston, Winchburgh, Broxburn, Pumpherston, Houston Interchange, Livingston Bus Station, & Bellsquarry every 60min Mon-Sat, every 90min Sundays

X27 rerouted via Livingston Village, Tailend Roundabout, & M8 junction 3 to provide a service through Livingston Village

Alright, what needs changed?

 

[JKP]

What is the traffic objective in serving Colinton to Balerno section of 77? Also a 90 minute frequency is unmemorable for bus users. Better to be every 60 or 120 minutes.

Suggest also that the 72 no longer required.

 

[bobdoe]

Ok, I like the new Lothian Country changes, but there is one key aspect I find irritating; the 72 is now gonna be over 2 hours long (local buses shouldn’t exceed 1h 45m in my opinion). Also, since the route is just over 2 hours, the peak vehicle requirement (PVR) will be 5 rather than 4. I think it should be curtailed at Pumpherston with a second service doing the other run.

My custom changes;
43, 73, 74, X18, X28, N18, N28, N43 remain unchanged

72 curtailed to Pumpherston. New service 79 will replace the section between Pumpherston & Kirkliston

NEW 77 between Colinton & Livingston Bus Station via Juniper Green, Balerno Main Street, Kirknewton, Calderwood, Mid Calder, & Almondvale (buses will operate via B7015 rather than via the Livingston Fastlink) every 60min Mon-Sat, every 90min Sundays

NEW 79 between Queensferry (opp. Echline Rigg) & Livingston South Station via Queensferry Town Centre, Kirkliston, Winchburgh, Broxburn, Pumpherston, Houston Interchange, Livingston Bus Station, & Bellsquarry every 60min Mon-Sat, every 90min Sundays

X27 rerouted via Livingston Village, Tailend Roundabout, & M8 junction 3 to provide a service through Livingston Village

Alright, what needs changed?

Your 77 is half of the X41 I proposed here:

Edinburgh & the Lothians bus network speculations & ideas

Rerouting it through Winchburgh may be more profitable as bus demand in Newton is probably very low. With all the new builds, Winchburgh will soon become the capital city of Scotland so a Winchburgh - London direct bus may also help tackle the high demand.

www.railforums.co.uk

 

[DespacitoPlayz]

Ok, I like the new Lothian Country changes, but there is one key aspect I find irritating; the 72 is now gonna be over 2 hours long (local buses shouldn’t exceed 1h 45m in my opinion). Also, since the route is just over 2 hours, the peak vehicle requirement (PVR) will be 5 rather than 4. I think it should be curtailed at Pumpherston with a second service doing the other run.

My custom changes;
43, 73, 74, X18, X28, N18, N28, N43 remain unchanged

72 curtailed to Pumpherston. New service 79 will replace the section between Pumpherston & Kirkliston

NEW 77 between Colinton & Livingston Bus Station via Juniper Green, Balerno Main Street, Kirknewton, Calderwood, Mid Calder, & Almondvale (buses will operate via B7015 rather than via the Livingston Fastlink) every 60min Mon-Sat, every 90min Sundays

NEW 79 between Queensferry (opp. Echline Rigg) & Livingston South Station via Queensferry Town Centre, Kirkliston, Winchburgh, Broxburn, Pumpherston, Houston Interchange, Livingston Bus Station, & Bellsquarry every 60min Mon-Sat, every 90min Sundays

X27 rerouted via Livingston Village, Tailend Roundabout, & M8 junction 3 to provide a service through Livingston Village

Alright, what needs changed?

Your idea is good!

If I was Lothian, I would make a new route (the number is undecided) that runs from Livingston (at the 72 terminus) to Fauldhouse following the December 3rd route for the 72, and maybe extend the 72 only as far as Junction 4 (M8) so the 73 doesn't need to serve there.

 

[roadierway77]

As everybody has been posing their own proposals for a new Lothian Country network in West Lothian, I thought I'd have a go as well. Bear in mind I don't live in West Lothian but I do have some experience of its network. My network is based upon current Eastern Scottish services, maintaining connections, in addition to restoring provision to areas currently without a bus service and striking a balance between the pre-Covid Lothian Country network and the network of today, so as to not over-serve. Demand for buses today just unfortunately isn't as high as it was in 2019, and without needing to one-up First/McGill's, frequencies do not need to be competitive. This proposal is designed to be an initial network, with potential to increase some services at a later date if demand proves sufficient.

20 | Ratho - Ingliston P&R - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park - The Calders - Westside Plaza - Clovenstone - Longstone - Chesser
Every 40 minutes, 4 buses required, 1h5min journey time

Transfer of current Eastern Scottish tender service 20 to Lothian Country, with service frequency increased to every 40 minutes.

63 | Scotstoun - Queensferry - Echline - Kirkliston - Newbridge - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park - Sighthill Colleges - Hermiston P&R - Heriot-Watt University
Every hour, 2 vehicles required, 54min journey time

Transfer of current Eastern Scottish tender service 63 to Lothian Country, with service frequency increased to hourly.

73 | Livingston Centre - Craigshill - Pumpherston - Uphall - Broxburn - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park - Sighthill Colleges - Wester Hailes
Every 30 minutes, 5 vehicles required, 1hr5mins journey time

Connecting Livingston and Broxburn with retail, employment, transport and education sites in west Edinburgh, additionally creating a new direct connection between Wester Hailes and the Gyle Centre and Edinburgh Park interchange. Connects with the X40 at Westside Plaza.

74 | Livingston Centre - St John's - Livingston Village - Blackburn - Wester Inch - Bathgate - Armadale - Blackridge
Every hour, 2 vehicles required, 43min journey time

Subsidised by West Lothian Council between Armadale and Blackridge. Provides a service to Blackridge while also providing a connection to St John's Hospital and restoring service to Wester Inch.

75 | Livingston South - Dedridge East - Livingston Centre - St John's - Livingston North - Deans North - Boghall - Bathgate - Armadale
Every 20 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1hr18min journey time

Marketed as a fast, frequent service connecting Livingston South and North stations, St John's Hospital and Livingston Centre, simplifying travel to and from Livingston by train. An increased frequency supports growth on this busy corridor.

76 | Livingston North - Knightsridge - Ladywell - St John's - Howden - Livingston Centre - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Fauldhouse
Every 30 minutes, 6 vehicles required, 1hr20min journey time

Maintaining the existing service along the Livingston - Fauldhouse corridor and links from Livingston North station to north and east Livingston.

77 | Deans South - Livingston North - Eliburn - Kirkton Campus - Kirkton - Livingston Centre - Dedridge West - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Blackburn - Bathgate
Every hour, 3 vehicles required, 1h13min journey time

Providing a new direct service from Deans to Eliburn and Kirkton Campus, restoring service to Deans South and creating a new connection between West Calder, Loganlea, Blackburn and Bathgate.

300 | Fauldhouse - Whitburn - M8 Distribution Park - Bathgate - Deans South - St John's - Livingston Centre - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Edinburgh Airport
Every 40 minutes, 5 vehicles required, 2hr5min journey time

New service specifically promoted as an airport connection. Replaces the 72. Retains current connections between Fauldhouse and Bathgate and improves frequencies between Kirkliston and Livingston. Complements current Skylink services and could be branded similarly, e.g. Skylink Country.

X18 | Fauldhouse - Whitburn - Bathville - Armadale - Bathgate - Boghall - Uphall - Broxburn - Maybury - Corstorphine - Haymarket - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 8 vehicles required, 1h49min journey time

Maintains current connections between Fauldhouse and Bathgate alongside providing Fauldhouse a direct bus connection to Edinburgh.

X27 | Whitburn - Blackburn - Livingston Village - St John's - Craigshill - Livingston Centre - Dedridge East - Mid Calder - East Calder - Calderwood - Sighthill - Fountainpark - West End - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1h59min journey time

Restored to a half-hourly frequency and rerouted to maintain current service levels between Livingston and Whitburn via Blackburn. Services to/from Shotts would be provided by a new hourly subsidised service, operated by either SD Travel or Stuart's Coaches.

X28 | Bathgate - Boghall - Deans North - Knightsridge - Ladywell - St John's - Craigshill - Livingston Centre - Dedridge East - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Sighthill - Fountainpark - West End - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1hr54min journey time

Service restored to a half-hourly frequency.

X40 | St John's Hospital - Livingston Centre - Mid Calder - East Calder - Calderwood - Hermiston P&R - Wester Hailes - Gilmerton - Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
Every hour, 2 buses required, 1hr12min journey time

Service unaltered.

 

[LiviCrazy]

As everybody has been posing their own proposals for a new Lothian Country network in West Lothian, I thought I'd have a go as well. Bear in mind I don't live in West Lothian but I do have some experience of its network. My network is based upon current Eastern Scottish services, maintaining connections, in addition to restoring provision to areas currently without a bus service and striking a balance between the pre-Covid Lothian Country network and the network of today, so as to not over-serve. Demand for buses today just unfortunately isn't as high as it was in 2019, and without needing to one-up First/McGill's, frequencies do not need to be competitive. This proposal is designed to be an initial network, with potential to increase some services at a later date if demand proves sufficient.

X27 | Whitburn - Blackburn - Livingston Village - St John's - Craigshill - Livingston Centre - Dedridge East - Mid Calder - East Calder - Calderwood - Sighthill - Fountainpark - West End - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1h59min journey time

Restored to a half-hourly frequency and rerouted to maintain current service levels between Livingston and Whitburn via Blackburn. Services to/from Shotts would be provided by a new hourly subsidised service, operated by either SD Travel or Stuart's Coaches.

X28 | Bathgate - Boghall - Deans North - Knightsridge - Ladywell - St John's - Craigshill - Livingston Centre - Dedridge East - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Sighthill - Fountainpark - West End - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1hr54min journey time

Service restored to a half-hourly frequency.

X40 | St John's Hospital - Livingston Centre - Mid Calder - East Calder - Calderwood - Hermiston P&R - Wester Hailes - Gilmerton - Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
Every hour, 2 buses required, 1hr12min journey time

Service unaltered.

I think if the X27 and X28 were both restored to half hourly one could be amended to serve Dedridge West, turning up at the top of Dedridge onto the A71 at Crofthead Interchange with the other doing Dedridge East.

I still don’t quite understand why the X40 misses Dedridge, as First discovered with their X23, it didn’t save much time and lost a few passengers.

I also wondered whether Lothian would ever think of bringing back the peak express routes that First used to run many years ago (like the X26, X32 and X33). I think they could be quite popular these days.

 

[overthewater]

As everybody has been posing their own proposals for a new Lothian Country network in West Lothian, I thought I'd have a go as well. Bear in mind I don't live in West Lothian but I do have some experience of its network. My network is based upon current Eastern Scottish services, maintaining connections, in addition to restoring provision to areas currently without a bus service and striking a balance between the pre-Covid Lothian Country network and the network of today, so as to not over-serve. Demand for buses today just unfortunately isn't as high as it was in 2019, and without needing to one-up First/McGill's, frequencies do not need to be competitive. This proposal is designed to be an initial network, with potential to increase some services at a later date if demand proves sufficient.

20 | Ratho - Ingliston P&R - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park - The Calders - Westside Plaza - Clovenstone - Longstone - Chesser
Every 40 minutes, 4 buses required, 1h5min journey time

Transfer of current Eastern Scottish tender service 20 to Lothian Country, with service frequency increased to every 40 minutes.

63 | Scotstoun - Queensferry - Echline - Kirkliston - Newbridge - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park - Sighthill Colleges - Hermiston P&R - Heriot-Watt University
Every hour, 2 vehicles required, 54min journey time

Transfer of current Eastern Scottish tender service 63 to Lothian Country, with service frequency increased to hourly.

73 | Livingston Centre - Craigshill - Pumpherston - Uphall - Broxburn - Gyle Centre - Edinburgh Park - Sighthill Colleges - Wester Hailes
Every 30 minutes, 5 vehicles required, 1hr5mins journey time

Connecting Livingston and Broxburn with retail, employment, transport and education sites in west Edinburgh, additionally creating a new direct connection between Wester Hailes and the Gyle Centre and Edinburgh Park interchange. Connects with the X40 at Westside Plaza.

74 | Livingston Centre - St John's - Livingston Village - Blackburn - Wester Inch - Bathgate - Armadale - Blackridge
Every hour, 2 vehicles required, 43min journey time

Subsidised by West Lothian Council between Armadale and Blackridge. Provides a service to Blackridge while also providing a connection to St John's Hospital and restoring service to Wester Inch.

75 | Livingston South - Dedridge East - Livingston Centre - St John's - Livingston North - Deans North - Boghall - Bathgate - Armadale
Every 20 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1hr18min journey time

Marketed as a fast, frequent service connecting Livingston South and North stations, St John's Hospital and Livingston Centre, simplifying travel to and from Livingston by train. An increased frequency supports growth on this busy corridor.

76 | Livingston North - Knightsridge - Ladywell - St John's - Howden - Livingston Centre - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Fauldhouse
Every 30 minutes, 6 vehicles required, 1hr20min journey time

Maintaining the existing service along the Livingston - Fauldhouse corridor and links from Livingston North station to north and east Livingston.

77 | Deans South - Livingston North - Eliburn - Kirkton Campus - Kirkton - Livingston Centre - Dedridge West - Polbeth - West Calder - Loganlea - Blackburn - Bathgate
Every hour, 3 vehicles required, 1h13min journey time

Providing a new direct service from Deans to Eliburn and Kirkton Campus, restoring service to Deans South and creating a new connection between West Calder, Loganlea, Blackburn and Bathgate.

300 | Fauldhouse - Whitburn - M8 Distribution Park - Bathgate - Deans South - St John's - Livingston Centre - Deer Park - Uphall - Broxburn - Winchburgh - Kirkliston - Edinburgh Airport
Every 40 minutes, 5 vehicles required, 2hr5min journey time

New service specifically promoted as an airport connection. Replaces the 72. Retains current connections between Fauldhouse and Bathgate and improves frequencies between Kirkliston and Livingston. Complements current Skylink services and could be branded similarly, e.g. Skylink Country.

X18 | Fauldhouse - Whitburn - Bathville - Armadale - Bathgate - Boghall - Uphall - Broxburn - Maybury - Corstorphine - Haymarket - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 8 vehicles required, 1h49min journey time

Maintains current connections between Fauldhouse and Bathgate alongside providing Fauldhouse a direct bus connection to Edinburgh.

X27 | Whitburn - Blackburn - Livingston Village - St John's - Craigshill - Livingston Centre - Dedridge East - Mid Calder - East Calder - Calderwood - Sighthill - Fountainpark - West End - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1h59min journey time

Restored to a half-hourly frequency and rerouted to maintain current service levels between Livingston and Whitburn via Blackburn. Services to/from Shotts would be provided by a new hourly subsidised service, operated by either SD Travel or Stuart's Coaches.

X28 | Bathgate - Boghall - Deans North - Knightsridge - Ladywell - St John's - Craigshill - Livingston Centre - Dedridge East - Mid Calder - East Calder - Kirknewton - Sighthill - Fountainpark - West End - Edinburgh
Every 30 minutes, 9 vehicles required, 1hr54min journey time

Service restored to a half-hourly frequency.

X40 | St John's Hospital - Livingston Centre - Mid Calder - East Calder - Calderwood - Hermiston P&R - Wester Hailes - Gilmerton - Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
Every hour, 2 buses required, 1hr12min journey time

Service unaltered.

Your ideas are some of the best suggested on here. You seem to get it that passengers want direct fast routes.

I think if the X27 and X28 were both restored to half hourly one could be amended to serve Dedridge West, turning up at the top of Dedridge onto the A71 at Crofthead Interchange with the other doing Dedridge East.

I still don’t quite understand why the X40 misses Dedridge, as First discovered with their X23, it didn’t save much time and lost a few passengers.

I also wondered whether Lothian would ever think of bringing back the peak express routes that First used to run many years ago (like the X26, X32 and X33). I think they could be quite popular these days.

It makes the x40 faster. The whole point to the X40 is a direct link to St Johns; if it goes Dedridge it would either have to come out of Wester Hailes or Mid calder.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

It makes the x40 faster. The whole point to the X40 is a direct link to St Johns; if it goes Dedridge it would either have to come out of Wester Hailes or Mid calder.

It saves 3 minutes though, hardly a huge benefit.

 

[roadierway77]

Your ideas are some of the best suggested on here. You seem to get it that passengers want direct fast routes.

Thank you, that means a lot. As somebody who doesn't drive and relies on buses, I know that passengers want fast routes from their homes to leisure, employment, healthcare and transport hubs, and that's the approach I believe should be taken whenever starting a bus route. I sincerely hope that Lothian can grow a successful network in West Lothian that meets the needs of its populace.

 

[Lothianbus703]

A suggestion based on the new
Balerno - Gyle - Cramond Service (already confirmed)

My suggestion for routing:

Balerno - Currie - Wester Hailes - Westside Plaza - Sighthill - Hermiston Gait - Gyle - Barnton - Cramond

I have not said a number because the council are currently reviewing the subsidised network

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

A suggestion based on the new
Balerno - Gyle - Cramond Service (already confirmed)

My suggestion for routing:

Balerno - Currie - Wester Hailes - Westside Plaza - Sighthill - Hermiston Gait - Gyle - Barnton - Cramond

I have not said a number because the council are currently reviewing the subsidised network

I don’t think this will be the route. Rather I expect the 63 to be cut back to Hermiston Gait and then this new route will replace the 63’s route from there to Balerno. That world allow an hourly service to be restored as well. The northern section should largely follow the old 64’s route, but stop at Cramond using the old 41 terminus.

46 would’ve been the most logical number but they’ll need to use something else now. Maybe even resurrecting the 64 number is a better idea?

 

[overthewater]

Surely it would be cheaper and better if they just paid to extend the 47 down Maybury road to Western craigs then around to the Gyle?

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Surly it would be cheaper and better if they just paid to extend the 47 down Maybury road to Western craigs then around to the Gyle?

It would be a bit of a waste of the resources in my opinion, especially with the XLB’s.

 

[overthewater]

They could solve that by switching the 22 and 47 and thus making the a near circular where it stops and starts at the Gyle.

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

They could solve that by switching the 22 and 47 and thus making the a near circular where it stops and starts at the Gyle.

But this new route still doesn’t need a double deck though. I’d say it’s far easier to do what I said above or a variation of it. Previously it couldn’t fill a Solo so I don’t see what has changed at the moment. Yes Lothian will need a bus to run to West Craigs soon but it will probably be a variation of the 31 that does that with the 47 also extended to East Craigs. West Craigs is still quite a bit away from needing a full bus service.

 

[overthewater]

But this new route still doesn’t need a double deck though. I’d say it’s far easier to do what I said above or a variation of it. Previously it couldn’t fill a Solo so I don’t see what has changed at the moment. Yes Lothian will need a bus to run to West Craigs soon but it will probably be a variation of the 31 that does that with the 47 also extended to East Craigs. West Craigs is still quite a bit away from needing a full bus service.

Would it not make more sense to spend the money on having a higher level of service over a very short distance than paying for sperate bus route to cover a large area and duplicate parts of the 47?