The city’s bus company, Lothian, is recruiting up to 30 new drivers to help provide extra services to meet increased customer demand in Edinburgh and Lothians.
The company has announced a mix of service improvements and new connections throughout the network which they say are designed to improve reliability for customers. The changes will be in place from Sunday 6 April along with newly increased fares. The single journey fare will rise by 20 pence.
The company says this will produce improved timetables and connectivity for a number of services. (Lothian Country services will not be affected by any change.)
East Coast Buses
The company is however introducing significant changes to its East Coast buses network in East Lothian in response to growing customer demand. Service X4, a new express bus between Haymarket and Tranent (Windygoul), will be introduced to offer faster connections to the city from new housing developments in Prestonpans and Blindwells.
Lothian’s Airport Services will be enhanced with alterations made to current Skylink 200 and 400 services which have been renumbered Services 17 and 18. These services will now operate as part of the Lothian city network and offer city fares providing more cost-effective connections for those travelling to and from the airport.
Sarah Boyd, Managing Director at Lothian, said: “As the main transport operator across Edinburgh and the surrounding area, Lothian is fully committed to the local communities we serve.
“The introduction of further improvements to our network of services to meet customer demand and enhance service reliability will allow us to recruit a further 30 drivers to our business, boosting the local economy and further cementing our position as one of Edinburgh’s largest employers.”
Fares increased
In line with the service change, Lothian have also announced that fares will be revised across its group of companies; Lothian, Lothiancountry and East Coast buses, from Sunday 6 April 2025.
The fares review will mean increases to some of the company’s fares for the first time in two years, with adult single fares increasing by 20p, while adult DAYtickets will increase by 50p. Lothian’s night single tickets, which were last increased in 2009 will also see an increase, along with Lothian’s season ticket Ridacard and child tickets.
Sarah continued, “Since our last fares review in 2023, we have continued to see a rise in costs across all aspects of our business.
“With all fare revenue reinvested into the running of our business, the decision to increase fares at this time allows us to continue to prioritise investment in our fleet, our people and our wider customer offering.
“While no fare increase is ever welcome and we are aware of the cost pressures faced by our customers, Lothian fares continue to represent excellent value for money.
“As a fully commercial operator it is necessary to take these steps to safeguard the ongoing viability of our network and continue to set high standards of service delivery.”
Transport and Environment Convener, Cllr Stephen Jenkinson said: “We’re incredibly lucky in Lothian to have an award-winning operator which continually provides great service to our city, employs many of our residents and drives economic growth and activity.
“The changes we’re seeing today recognise changing patterns of demand and will help deliver a better service to all bus users.
“I’m also conscious that fare rises are a difficult but necessary decision to take. We need to recognise the need for further future investment to retain and improve this integral part of our transport network.
“I’m committed to keeping Edinburgh moving and look forward to working with Lothian in the future.”
For more information visit www.lothianbuses.co.uk
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