New buses for East Lothian routes

There are eight new buses taking to the roads in East Lothian this week with an investment of nearly £2 million by EastCoastBuses.

The new Euro 6 Volvo B5 buses have been designed specially for the bus company. They will be used on the 124 route between North Berwick and Edinburgh where capacity is growing. 

Even with a £3 million investment just over a year ago in single decker buses the company has found that demand has outstripped capacity.

Mark Heritage, EastCoastBuses General Manager said: “We are delighted that year on year we can continue to invest in our fleet for the benefit of our customers and driving team. These bespoke, high quality vehicles have been designed with comfort and safety in mind and will enhance the customer experience while travelling across the county.

“This level of investment highlights our continued commitment to the local community and builds on our promise to provide a first class service for the area. Since starting operations in the area where bus usage had seen year on year decline, we have in the last two years seen customer growth of over 52% which is a real testament to our dedicated workforce who deliver a fantastic customer experience every day. This proves undoubtedly that by designing routes and services based on what our customers want, coupled with investment and high standards of service delivery, we can reverse much of the decline that is being seen in bus usage across the country.”

EastCoastBuses are now a regular sight on the roads of East Lothian and are integral to the local economy and attractions throughout the county as well as providing vital transport links for the whole community.

Since operations began in August 2016 the business has steadily built on its portfolio of routes and services including a Night bus service at weekends. This combination of development measures and dedication to delivering the best possible customer service has resulted in significant growth in customers and ongoing expansion of the business which now employees 130 people.