Rescue package to save key East Lothian bus services

East Coast Buses to operate from 14 August

Threatened East Lothian bus services and jobs have been saved as part of a new takeover package from Lothian Buses Ltd.

Almost 90 jobs were at risk after bus operator First Scotland East announced it was withdrawing services in East Lothian.

In May 2016, First Group revealed plans to stop bus operations in the area from 14 August 2016.
It also proposed closing its depots in North Berwick and Musselburgh.
The firm had blamed "an increasingly competitive market".
An agreement has now been reached which will see East Coast Buses Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lothian Buses Ltd, buy the Musselburgh and North Berwick depots with all staff having the option to be transferred.
The buyer has also announced plans to improve services and increase the number of vehicles.
Richard Hall, managing director of Lothian Buses, said: "We are pleased to be in a position to take on and continue providing these vital services and be part of the local economy."
Paul McGowan, managing director of First Scotland East Ltd, said: "I'd like to thank all my colleagues in East Lothian for their hard work and loyalty over the years."
He added: "We will be fully supporting them as they transfer to their new employer."

East Coast Buses will be making significant investment to improve services, including refurbishment works to Musselburgh garage, increasing the number of vehicles and deploying a new fleet of vehicles.




East Coast Buses Ltd (possibly a new name for Lothian Country Buses), will introduce the following services from 14 Aug 2016:

• 107 - A new 60 minute timetable introduced 7 days a week (30 minute Mon-Fri peak). Buses run West End, Meadowbank, The Jewel, A1, Haddington and East Linton to Dunbar. This part-replaces First Service X6/106.
• 124/X24 – A new 30 minute timetable introduced Monday to Saturday and 60 minute on Sundays. Buses run Semple Street, Meadowbank, Portobello, Musselburgh, Prestonpans, Longniddry, Aberlady, Gullane and Dirleton to North Berwick. Three morning and afternoon buses will run Limited Stop as X24. This part-replaces First Bus 124/X24.
• We will continue with the following commercial and school services:
  • 124 – 1x morning and 1x afternoon journey between Longniddry and Preston Lodge HS. 
  • 125 – 2x morning and 2x afternoon journeys between Musselburgh and North Berwick HS.
  • 126 – 1x morning and 1x afternoon journey between Aberlady and North Berwick HS.
  • 127 – 1x morning and 1x afternoon journey between Longniddry and North Berwick HS.

A comprehensive marketing and communications plan will be put in place to prepare the new services for operation, including roadshows within the local communities. This work will be done in close co-operation with East Lothian Council.