West Lothian buses

[Observer]

I think the better route for First would be to improve the vehicles rather than the timetable. Perhaps they could divert some vehicles from the next Glasgow order.

Getting rid of those awful StreetLites would be nice. Huge mistake to order them for the 38.

 

[Bus9120UK]

Possibly the double registrations for X17 are coaches between Livingston and Edinburgh, and Buses between Livingston and Fauldhouse?

The X17 will remain, no doubt there will be some change to the service, especially with the 281 being cut, think they will introduce a Sunday service

A Sunday service would be welcoming.

 

[Driver362]

Oh boy this was completed unexpected! well untill word comes out on what these changes are this is all sounded pretty positive so far!

Here is my 2 cents

X17 - Maybe a Sunday service added, especially with the 281 being withdrawn, perhaps a later journey from Edinburgh to Fauldhouse or Livingston

X18 - Probably a frequency increase since it’s the most popular service on this network

X27 - Definitely a surprise, makes me wonder how they are going to work the frequency between Edinburgh and Livingston now. but Blackburn getting a direct link to the City is definitely a plus

X28 - Hopefully a frequency increase? no idea

X38 - The elephant in the room, a new service and lets be honest this was only a matter of time, the Ex2 being an experiment to test the Linlithgow residents and clearly LCB feel confident to challenge the 38! Kirkliston residents will finally be happy to have a direct Lothian service now so honestly I have faith this will go well for certain people! As for the fares I’m sure Linlithgow will fall under the Zone B area.

43/X43 - Probably a timetable change to accommodate the depot move? or maybe a timetable increase

N43 - A return journey added? I’ve no idea how well the N43 has been doing to being with so this is just a guess, maybe more journeys?

275 - The Cutback seems fair enough, especially with the X27 replacing it, if it wasn’t for the fact the 275 serves Pumpherston and Uphall Station I would
of seen this withdrawn also, but maybe it could serve more of Livingston before terminating at the centre?

280 - No idea what they could do with this service to be honest, timetable revision no doubt

281 - Well not surprised it’s getting withdrawn, clearly must be wanting to boost up the X17, since the Route was an essential
Copy of the X28 in the Livingston area

287 - Extending to the Railway station to
Cover more of Bathgate, I guess with the Ex1
being withdrawn they want another service
to run to the station

Ex1 - Withdrawn, and in other news Rain gets you wet!

Ex2 - Good news about the extension! Clearly the more popular one, though will be interesting to see it with the X38 running alongside this, also with the Ex1 withdrawn will be strange to see Green Arrow as a one service operation.

Will have to wait untill LCB officially announce the changes, but so far it sounds promising. Nothing on the N28, surprised they haven’t brought out another night service

If X38 follows the current 38 it

Lothian will need to cut its fares on the Winchburgh section or will not get passengers. First it's only Dayrider £7.20, week: £21.40 - £24 and give 7 FULL DAYS, etc.

AS seen on this wonderful NEW Ticket MAP: https://www.firstgroup.com/uploads/maps/Scotland East Zones Network_WEB.pdf


As with Lothian in West Lothian is been very backwards are time, and has been mishandled so this is no surprise.


AS Jordan said,nothing negative or unfair, just realistic, I even give praise for the Ex2 staying and keeping its passengers.[/

 

[Driver362]

These are Lothian Buses routes at the moment so it could be just a re-registration. The EX2 is also changing from LB to LCB.

As is 43

 

[Scott mac]

Need those for Morning and evening peak, (25 service) for now anyway.

The other 4 will be due to move to glasgow soon no sure what's going the other way

 

[Bluebirdscot66]

Does make you wonder if First will do anything regarding the 38. The frequency doesn't need an increase, so the idea of Linlithgow - Edinburgh shorts being put in by First is unlikely. They could try going after the EX2 with their own express service, but with all the cutbacks with First, it's something they would have done years ago, but not today. Chances are they'll just let Lothian play with the X38 until they get bored as they're just chasing the same passengers, all it will do is make everyone's bus quieter.

I don’t actually think first have the staff or buses , especially buses , to bolster up in event of competition. There’s been scanias brought in from Glasgow on loan and are in a terrible state .ive seen scanias and kelpie streetlites on the 38 too so they must be short on serviceable royal route ones .

 

[Observer]

I've seen the Scanias for a few months. Then again as of late they do seem to be getting a move on with finally repainting the StreetLites so that's why some are missing.

Notably they aren't coming back with branding for the 38 so hopefully they are planning for new stock soon...if only.

As mentioned before the branding has been outdated for over a year, for both types of StreetLite, and nobody seemed bothered to remove the route vinyls.

Then again, route branding seems pointless when they just get chucked on anything. See that a lot with the X35/X37 E300s.

But you are right, they just don't have the fight in them, because of lack of resources. Too many drivers have left, and still more will.

 

[Driver362]

One would also imagine they wouldn't be going on a recruitment drive either. As they let two driving instructors go last week. And they were told there was no work for them, not that they decided to leave. Granted they could take on. License holders. Personally I think that's lothians strategy just weaken and chip away and don't think there freighted to break a few eggs making that cake

 

[smtglasgow]

Personally I think that's lothians strategy just weaken and chip away and don't think there freighted to break a few eggs making that cake

I think that says it all. The dogs in the street know First is weak. If UK Bus had a future as a UK-wide entity then it would make sense for First to come down hard against any competition, if only as a signal against other potential threats. But as it is, I’m sure Lothian have sussed that patience is probably their best tactic. Although – as at the beginning of all this – I’m still not sure why Lothian are so keen to muscle in on West Lothian. Yes, Edinburgh is expanding westwards, so there will be growth opportunities eventually, but that’s a long way off yet.

 

[livi man]

Looks like they are cutting services .See if they get as much moaning as first did

 

[Driver362]

Probably not as no one used them anyway thats why there being cut in the first place. 281 is an X27 /28 from the centre to deans North and no one uses ex1. I know this as drive green arrow every day

 

[FlybeDash8Q400]

Put it simply, get rid of what isn’t used and/or can be covered by others and adjust the network to suit the market better. That looks like what they’re doing to me and it’s what first did when Lothian came out last year.

Is it correct that the 600 will be only double deck route that First have now? Apparently all of the non pink ones have moved to Glasgow. Don’t get me wrong I understand why they’ve switched the network over to singles but the 600 being the only double deck route just wouldn’t make sense in my view

 

[Bus Lightyear]

But you are right, they just don't have the fight in them, because of lack of resources. Too many drivers have left, and still more will.

The same could be said for Lothian
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman....it-back-following-summer-disruption-1-5005340

Looks like they are cutting services .See if they get as much moaning as first did

I wonder if Lothian Country Buses will get the level of stick for axing the EX1 that First Glasgow got for trying to remove the X1 then changing their mind due to public pressure. At least FG had a reason when they claimed it was a declining market whereas LCB have only been running the Bathgate express for 3 months.

 

[A330Alex]

I wonder if Lothian Country Buses will get the level of stick for axing the EX1 that First Glasgow got for trying to remove the X1 then changing their mind due to public pressure. At least FG had a reason when they claimed it was a declining market whereas LCB have only been running the Bathgate express for 3 months.

No one used it is a pretty good reason. As long as the X18 is getting a frequency boost I don't think much will come of it.

 

[Driver362]

No one used it is a pretty good reason. As long as the X18 is getting a frequency boost I don't think much will come of it.

Would agree A330alex, it's a shame to as good kit decent journey times and I think decent fairs. But as a driver I can see it just doesn't work the numbers are worse than bad a handful of concessions aren't going to keep the home fires lit

 

[Jordan Adam]

I've seen the Scanias for a few months. Then again as of late they do seem to be getting a move on with finally repainting the StreetLites so that's why some are missing.

Notably they aren't coming back with branding for the 38 so hopefully they are planning for new stock soon...if only.

As mentioned before the branding has been outdated for over a year, for both types of StreetLite, and nobody seemed bothered to remove the route vinyls.

Then again, route branding seems pointless when they just get chucked on anything. See that a lot with the X35/X37 E300s.

But you are right, they just don't have the fight in them, because of lack of resources. Too many drivers have left, and still more will.

It's a shame the Scanias didn't get a midlife refurb and proper repaint as they're really good solid motor. It has been suggested that if some of the E300s come off the X36 following the service cuts they may get moved over to the new X10.

Would agree A330alex, it's a shame to as good kit decent journey times and I think decent fairs. But as a driver I can see it just doesn't work the numbers are worse than bad a handful of concessions aren't going to keep the home fires lit

I'll give them credit for the EX2 as i didn't think it would pick up as well as it has. So i've been proven wrong.

However i think it's fair to say most of us knew from day 1 the EX1 probably wouldn't last, it's basically just a slightly faster duplicate of the X18 that misses the bulk of the city centre and charges higher fares. It's like having a train from Bathgate to Waverly, but the First class section is only available as far as Haymarket and costs more, nobody is going to use it when standard class gets you closer to your final destination and at a much lower cost.

Is it correct that the 600 will be only double deck route that First have now? Apparently all of the non pink ones have moved to Glasgow. Don’t get me wrong I understand why they’ve switched the network over to singles but the 600 being the only double deck route just wouldn’t make sense in my view

There's still a few non-pink E400MMCs at Livingston, these are due to be staying as they're needed for certain peak journeys on the 25.

 

[overthewater]

If X38 follows the current 38 it

Sounds like it may go via broxburn, if that happens Kirkilton passengers will be very unhappy..

 

[TheEastCoaster]

Sounds like it may go via broxburn, if that happens Kirkilton passengers will be very unhappy..

I was joking when I suggested that earlier but it would be a massive let down, they should also reroute the 275 via Kirkliston and Winchburgh then Broxburn to connect with the X38 under the £5 dayticket Zone

 

[Jordan Adam]

I was joking when I suggested that earlier but it would be a massive let down, they should also reroute the 275 via Kirkliston and Winchburgh then Broxburn to connect with the X38 under the £5 dayticket Zone

Diverting the 275 would be pointless, they'd be better sending it via the Airport. That way they'd get any potential 600 passengers from Livingston/Broxburn as the 275 would be much more direct.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

Diverting the 275 would be pointless, they'd be better sending it via the Airport. That way they'd get any potential 600 passengers from Livingston/Broxburn as the 275 would be much more direct.

Only problem with that is the clash of many different fare zones, Country A (West Lothian) -CityWest (Ratho) -City (Airport Junction) -Airport and City Zone (Edinburgh Park)

Especially since the Skylinks also do return tickets too, I would say at most they could run via Ingilston P&R and connect with the Tram or 200/300 or 400.

 

[Observer]

One would also imagine they wouldn't be going on a recruitment drive either. As they let two driving instructors go last week. And they were told there was no work for them, not that they decided to leave. Granted they could take on. License holders. Personally I think that's lothians strategy just weaken and chip away and don't think there freighted to break a few eggs making that cake

What depot was this at?

 

[pgfb1306]

Sorry, I missed out on the new X10. What's that when it's at home??

It's a shame the Scanias didn't get a midlife refurb and proper repaint as they're really good solid motor. It has been suggested that if some of the E300s come off the X36 following the service cuts they may get moved over to the new X10.



I'll give them credit for the EX2 as i didn't think it would pick up as well as it has. So i've been proven wrong.

However i think it's fair to say most of us knew from day 1 the EX1 probably wouldn't last, it's basically just a slightly faster duplicate of the X18 that misses the bulk of the city centre and charges higher fares. It's like having a train from Bathgate to Waverly, but the First class section is only available as far as Haymarket and costs more, nobody is going to use it when standard class gets you closer to your final destination and at a much lower cost.



There's still a few non-pink E400MMCs at Livingston, these are due to be staying as they're needed for certain peak journeys on the 25.

 

[overthewater]

Sorry, I missed out on the new X10. What's that when it's at home??

Its not started yet, its the new service to replace, Everything running out from Balfron depot

 

[overthewater]

Every time Lothian Country send stuff into TC, there tends to be a press release about how its improving the network. I take it we will get something tomorrow? If not why not? Is something bad lurking in the changes?

 

[Driver362]

What depot was this at?

Livingston Depot

 

[Bus Lightyear]

Livingston Depot

Are you sure about that?
https://uk.firstgroupcareers.com/vacancy/find/results/

 

[overthewater]

I wonder if something will get sorted.

https://www.firstgroup.com/south-ea...updates/planned-changes/first-midland-service

Bus service 29: Falkirk – Shieldhill – Avonbridge – Westfield – Armadale – Bathgate

• Revised timetable route and timetable
• The section of route between Avonbridge and Bathgate via Westfield and Armadale is no longer served except Monday to Friday early morning, Monday to Saturday evenings and Sunday all day
• The section of route between Bathgate and Broxburn via Dechmont is no longer served
• In Falkirk, Central Retail Park is no longer served therefore all journeys will start and finish at Upper Newmarket Street except one Monday to Friday morning peak journey which will continue to Forth Valley College
• There is ongoing internal discussion at West Lothian Council regarding service provision between Avonbridge and Armadale via Westfield – For further information please contact West Lothian Council on 01506 776 339

 

[EastScot]

I don’t actually think first have the staff or buses , especially buses , to bolster up in event of competition. There’s been scanias brought in from Glasgow on loan and are in a terrible state .ive seen scanias and kelpie streetlites on the 38 too so they must be short on serviceable royal route ones .

There's 5 at Larbert needing new engines. Looks like with Wright's down the drain that isn't happening.

I've seen the Scanias for a few months. Then again as of late they do seem to be getting a move on with finally repainting the StreetLites so that's why some are missing.

Notably they aren't coming back with branding for the 38 so hopefully they are planning for new stock soon...if only.

As mentioned before the branding has been outdated for over a year, for both types of StreetLite, and nobody seemed bothered to remove the route vinyls.

Then again, route branding seems pointless when they just get chucked on anything. See that a lot with the X35/X37 E300s.

But you are right, they just don't have the fight in them, because of lack of resources. Too many drivers have left, and still more will.

There's 1 at Larbert that has the new paint. I think it came from Livingston.

The branded E300s that you're seeing on local routes aren't suitable for Glasgow runs. Repeating faults, failures to start so keeping them local. The odd 1 or 2 on 38s has been desperation.

Are you sure about that?
https://uk.firstgroupcareers.com/vacancy/find/results/

2 definitely left. Away to LCB I hear to be drivers in the hope of professing to trainers in the future.

That leaves 3 instructors at Livingston.

 

[Jordan Adam]

There's 5 at Larbert needing new engines. Looks like with Wright's down the drain that isn't happening.

I assume you're talking about Streetlites here? If so then yes, Wright going in to admin has caused fleet shortages UK wide, Aberdeen are currently 20 down with 7 of those being Streetlites.

 

[TheEastCoaster]

So I assume the X27 will follow the 275 route immediately after the bus terminal, because I thought maybe the X27 would still serve St. John’s hospital before continuing to Whitburn so there’s still a direct link