robertclark125
Established Member
Back in 2017, Bo'ness community bus was started, by the local community, to address the lack of direct buses from Bo'ness and Blackness, into Edinburgh. The Bo'ness community bus was born, and it started route C19, which terminated in Edinburgh, at Waterloo Place, rather than the bus station. Not an issue, as I understand some First bus services do so as well. The service used some Ford Transits, and they expanded to a second service, F47, linking Bo'ness to Linlithgow via Blackness.
The service has had some problems in 2021, due to vehicle problems, a lack of drivers, and some drop in passengers, and perhaps also that Citylink route 909 now serves Bo'ness as well. With all this, the C19 is ending on 2nd January. The full closure announcement is detailed below, as well as the link.
It was a good idea at the time, but obviously Covid had something to do with it. Can such a service work in future? I'd say yes, somewhere else possibly, but the people who demand such a service need to also then use it.
Cessation of the Bo'ness - Edinburgh Services (C19) with effect from 2 Jan 2022 - Bo'ness Community Bus SCIO (bonesscommunitybus.scot)
The service has had some problems in 2021, due to vehicle problems, a lack of drivers, and some drop in passengers, and perhaps also that Citylink route 909 now serves Bo'ness as well. With all this, the C19 is ending on 2nd January. The full closure announcement is detailed below, as well as the link.
It was a good idea at the time, but obviously Covid had something to do with it. Can such a service work in future? I'd say yes, somewhere else possibly, but the people who demand such a service need to also then use it.
Cessation of the Bo'ness - Edinburgh Services (C19) with effect from 2 Jan 2022 - Bo'ness Community Bus SCIO (bonesscommunitybus.scot)
Cessation of the Bo’ness – Edinburgh Services (C19) with effect from 2 Jan 2022
Posted 20TH DECEMBER 2021
Dear passengers & supporters of Bo’ness Community Bus Charity
2021 has been a challenging year for us at BCB.
We have seen reduced numbers of passengers on all our routes due to the changing work patterns of employees as a result of Covid-19.
We have lost some of our drivers as they have gone off to explore other opportunities and with the national shortage of drivers, we have found it very difficult to recruit new drivers.
Our vehicles have also had a number of mechanical issues.
All of these challenges have necessitated the Trustees to have a deep look at our operations, conduct a review of our charity and map out a way forward.
To this end, it is with deep regret that, we have applied, and have received approval, to cease our C19 service between Bo’ness – Edinburgh, with effect from 2 Jan 2022.
This decision was not an easy one for the Trustees, but with significantly reduced revenue due to reduction in passenger numbers and limited drivers, we have no choice.
We are aware that this will be very disappointing for all our passengers who have been very loyal to us over the years.
For any passenger who has purchased a multi-journey ticket on the C19, and still have journeys left to complete, please contact [email protected] and we will arrange a refund of the remaining journeys.
We would also like to direct you to the Citylink service 909, which serves Bo’ness.
CityLink Timetable
Their return fare to Edinburgh is £8.00.
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