Livingston village will see a regular bus service restored next month thanks to Lothian Country.
The operator which took over West Lothian routes when McGill’s dramatically quit services in the county in November 2023 has announced that a new 73 service will run through the village from 7 September.
The agreement follows discussions with West Lothian Council’s public transport staff and a robust campaign and petition raised by villagers which started earlier this year.
McGill’s departure left residents in Livingston village, many of them pensioners, with at least a half mile walk to a bus stop on surrounding arterial roads.
While it is at the heart of the new town it is a lengthy walk to health care facilities as well as the town’s shopping centre. Without access to a car many elderly residents felt trapped in their homes.
A meeting of the council’s executive heard on Tuesday that Lothian Country’s new service will also connect Armdale to Livingston with a direct bus for the first time.
A report to councillors by the council’s public transport manager Nicola Gill said: “On 27 June 2025, Lothian Country began a confidential consultation period with the council on proposed changes to their commercial bus network which will take effect on 7 September 2025.
“This includes the introduction of the 73 service into Livingston Village providing a bus service directly through the village.
“The new revised service operates from Armadale to Livingston via Bathgate, Deans South, Livingston North Station, Houstoun Road and Livingston Village. “As well as reintroducing a service through Livingston Village the new 73 service also provides a direct link from Armadale to Livingston as well as commencing a service on Houston Road which was previously unserved.
“This change brings a number of positive additions to the West Lothian network taking account of customer feedback and requests.”
The new service will not actually connect to St John’s hospital, those attending will still have to alight in Alderstone Road and walk to the hospital or else take the service to the town centre and take a bus directly to the hospital grounds. There are four buses serving the hospital from the town centre.
However, the restoration of a bus connection to the village was welcomed across the council chamber in Livingston.
Local councillor, Labour’s Anne McMillan said: “This a good outcome for the community of Livingston Village. It may not be what they asked for but it is far better than what they had.
“I just want to thank the officers who have been working in the background on this for some time. And I really want to thank the community. They came together and organised a petition and sent representatives to the council to speak about that.”
Councillor Susan Manion, Labour depute leader, for Armadale, said: “For the first time in a long time we’ll have a direct bus to Livingston, It is a huge step forward.”
Councillor Sally Pattle said: “Could I just echo what councillor McMillan has said. I just wanted it recorded. Thanks to the people who organised a petition and came along with a deputation to speak to the council. The fact that they had done this very much highlighted the issue.
“It’s not ideal, but the steps are helping to improve public transport.”
Councillor Pauline Stafford, the depute SNP group leader said: “I really welcome that this service is coming on line and thanks to the officers for their work on that. It is a good outcome, but we would like it noted for the future that this doesn’t fully meet the needs of the people in Livi village.”
Councillor Conn said public transport, and especially bus services could only be developed if the Scottish Government supported them financially.
Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said: “ I am sure people will be delighted after all the hard work that has gone in. Congratulations all round.”
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
