First Scotland East (Midland Bluebird and West Lothian operations)

[PaulMc7]

To be quite honest, I do wonder if a point will come for management thinking that enough is enough in West Lothian. It does seem hit harder than most areas covered by any big company. Concession reimbursement being poor, under 22 pass reimbursement being poor, major driver shortages, a fleet in a fairly poor condition and multiple services from pre-covid gone with others slashed a lot.

The 23/X23, 26A and 27 are all fully gone now and the 21 has taken a fair hit too. It's bad enough in an area with one big company but when there are 2 I do feel for residents more than anything.

I'd have focused on consolidating West Lothian and ditching journeys to Edinburgh with what they have but I don't see any major shakeup like that happening now.

 

[JurassicMan]

I do wonder if a point will come for management thinking enough is enough in West Lothian to be quite honest and it does seem hit harder than most areas covered by any big company. Concession reimbursement being poor, under 22 pass reimbursement being poor, major driver shortages, a fleet in a fairly poor condition and multiple services from pre-covid gone with others slashed a lot.

The 23/X23, 26A and 27 all fully gone now and the 21 has taken a fair hit too. It's bad enough in an area with one big company but when there are 2 I do feel for residents more than anything.

I'd have focused on consolidating West Lothian and ditching journeys to Edinburgh with what they have but I don't see any major shakeup like that happening now.

It is not going anywhere; the cuts were made out of necessity but have been mostly covered by Bright Bus Tours monies.

There are now more under 22s travelling on First services than prior to the concession card being introduced when First were in some places double the price of competition, so that's no doubt helped. Over 60s will get on the bus that arrives unless specific destination is required. There are millions of pounds to be had in these schemes.

Driver shortages will be almost sorted once the 20 ,63 and 68 services are either gone or as more likely now they are reduced. There is also a recruitment drive ongoing, although it would seem a bigger issue is retaining people once the training is done but it would seem all companies are having difficulty with driver numbers and convincing people its a career worth having these days.

It is highly likely once government funding ends there will be massive changes in a lot of areas. West Lothian will be no different and as for focus on West Lothian by First, that may depend if the competitor from Edinburgh decides to focus on Edinburgh, otherwise its highly unlikely.

 

[PaulMc7]

It is not going anywhere,the cuts were made out of necessity but have been mostly covered by BBT monies .

There are now more under 22s travelling on First services than prior to the concession card being introduced when First were in some places double the price of competition so that's no doubt helped,over 60s will get on the bus that arrives unless specific destination is required. There are millions of pounds to be had in these schemes.

Driver shortages will be almost sorted once the 20 ,63 and 68 services are either gone or as more likely now they are reduced ,there is also a recruitment drive ongoing although it would seem a bigger issue is retaining people once the training is done but it would seem all companies are having difficulty with driver numbers and convincing people its a career worth having these days.

It is highly likely once government funding ends there will be massive changes in a lot of areas,West Lothian will be no different, as for focus on West Lothian by First that may depend if the competitor from Edinburgh decides to focus on Edinburgh ,otherwise its highly unlikely.

Thank you for your input. The problem seems to be more of a thing in industries that deal with the public so I'm not surprised by how hard it has hit. Going by previous comments on here regarding the depot and management that's more where the major red flags are. Any company is only as good as the people running them after all and it's more key than ever when it comes to retaining staff.

I think it could have really helped if the 20, 63 and 68 were allowed to be ditched but unfortunately that won't happen yet.

 

[JurassicMan]

Thank you for your input. The problem seems to be more of a thing in industries that deal with the public so I'm not surprised by how hard it has hit. Going by previous comments on here regarding the depot and management that's more where the major red flags are. Any company is only as good as the people running them after all and it's more key than ever when it comes to retaining staff.

I think it could have really helped if the 20, 63 and 68 were allowed to be ditched but unfortunately that won't happen yet.

Disgruntled Employees are never a great barometer to judge how depots are run, the anti social hours, the lack of work life balance and the poor fleet are more of concern ,the first 2 are an industry wide issue these days where there are many options in transport with far more suitable hours and not having to deal with the public in such a close contact form as driving a public service vehicle.

It looks likely the Edinburgh contracts shall remain with First but in a new reduced contract to operate the services on a lesser scale, it would seem no other operator was willing to take on the contract.

 

[PaulMc7]

Disgruntled Employees are never a great barometer to judge how depots are run, the anti social hours, the lack of work life balance and the poor fleet are more of concern ,the first 2 are an industry wide issue these days where there are many options in transport with far more suitable hours and not having to deal with the public in such a close contact form as driving a public service vehicle.

It looks likely the Edinburgh contracts shall remain with First but in a new reduced contract to operate the services on a lesser scale, it would seem no other operator was willing to take on the contract.

I will give them credit in the fact that they've been fairly consistent at keeping the public up to date with cancellations each day and I really hope that continues to be fair. Normally I would agree that disgruntled employees aren't always a good measure of how anything is run but when somewhere has high staff turnover it usually becomes a very good way of finding out how things are.

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

I will give them credit in the fact that they've been fairly consistent at keeping the public up to date with cancellations each day and I really hope that continues to be fair. Normally I would agree that disgruntled employees aren't always a good measure of how anything is run but when somewhere has high staff turnover it usually becomes a very good way of finding out how things are.

Correct.

With regards to the First Group exodus of staff, it's a very good measure of the true nature of the beast.

Delapidated, shockingly maintained vehicles, few drivers aspire to work for a firm with a poor image and reputation let alone have to deal with middle management who more often than not are out to point a finger.

First group now don't have the required staff through their own fault, that's guaranteed!

The staff they do have left by majority are those who often have values that are "it pays my bills" or those who are young and innocently yet naively joined the industry, those who don't really care where they work or care about such things as derated engines on a daily basis or suspension problems that could certainly aggravate sciatica.

External problems with the public transport sector or specifically buses? In areas such as Falkirk, Stirling and Livingston over the last few decades at least the amount of cars on the roads have literally exploded. Adding further pressures onto those who drive large vehicles, then there's the public using said vehicles where many don't see the person behind the wheel as anything important despite relying on them to drive them around.

Over the last 13yrs I have seen major shift in the numbers of cars alone on the roads and subsequently the exodus of passengers no longer using buses.

It's a dying industry en masse and the drivers leaving at the moment are only the tip of the ice berg of problems.

 

[overthewater]

It was only finalised on Friday together with the F45 (First) and the F49 (Prentice Westwood)! Prentice Westwood are doing the F1. The only timetable I have seen is what looks like a photograph on Facebook.

With the cuts which are being implemented, it's shocking, said passengers were only give 3 days notice. Going by social media, alot of passenger are bad tempered and rightly so..

 

[stevenedin]

I see that they have updated the network maps and the X23 has been removed from The Livingston network. Also the same with the 26A and surprisingly the X25 has been removed from Edinburgh despite still some evening journeys still going to Edinburgh.

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-east-and-central-scotland/routes-and-maps/network-maps

 

[PaulMc7]

I see that they have updated the network maps and the X23 has been removed from The Livingston network. Also the same with the 26A and surprisingly the X25 has been removed from Edinburgh despite still some evening journeys still going to Edinburgh.

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-east-and-central-scotland/routes-and-maps/network-maps

I wonder if that's a future change they've accidentally revealed with the X25. I mean I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest given that the driver situation really isn't getting better.

I wouldn't be surprised if the 21 was axed at some point either. For a bus that's one an hour and had a route cut it's worrying how many of them get cancelled.

 

[overthewater]

No27 is also missing from the map. I think the map just sticks with the core main routes and does not highlight odd journeys here or there.

 

[stevenedin]

No27 is also missing from the map. I think the map just sticks with the core main routes and does not highlight odd journeys here or there.

I just noticed now you mentioned that as well. It looks very sparse. The same with the Falkirk one too for some reason.

It’s definitely a big change from this one in 2017.

 

[PaulMc7]

I just noticed now you mentioned that as well. It looks very sparse. The same with the Falkirk one too for some reason.

It’s definitely a big change from this one in 2017

I found these changes below too from after 2017 but pre-covid:​

​

West Lothian Network Changes​

From Monday 6th August, West Lothian Service Changes will come into effect. We want to make sure you're prepared for these changes before travelling with us so we've summarised some of the best bits for you below:

• We are continuing to regularly serve St John’s Hospital
• We are providing faster links into Edinburgh City Centre
• We are providing a new, faster service to Edinburgh Airport which will now serve Winchburgh and Kirkliston

Click here for the new West Lothian Network map.

What are the benefits of travelling with us?

• More buses, simpler routes, simpler frequencies and new links
• ALL First buses accept contactless payments and mobile ticketing
• Regular Friday/Saturday Night Services connect West Lothian and Edinburgh

You can pick up a copy of our printed timetables on bus and in public spaces across West Lothian.
See below for more detailed information on our new services, routes as well as all the timetables, and network and town centre maps so you can plan your journey in advance.
Services not listed below will continue to operate unchanged and these timetables can be found here.

Service	Route and details of proposed changes
21 21A 21B 21C X21	Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre NEW all-day link to Kirkton Campus All journeys numbered 21 – Services numbers 21A, 21B, 21C and X21 discontinued. New service 21 route – Whitburn – Armadale – Bathgate – Blackburn – Seafield – Kirkton Campus – Livingston The Centre
22 22A 22B X22	Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre All journeys numbered 22 – Services numbers 22A, 22B and X22 discontinued. New service 22 route – Harthill – Whitburn – Blackburn – Seafield – Livingston Village – Livingston The Centre
23	MORE BUSES Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road New service 23 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge East – Mid Calder (Main Street) – East Calder (Langton Road) – Kirknewton – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
X23	DIRECT from Livingston, The Centre to Edinburgh New service X23 route – Broxburn (East Mains Industrial Estate or Strathbrock Centre) – Uphall – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Mid Calder (Calder Park) – East Calder (Main Street) – Wilkieston – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
23 X23	LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Saughton and Haymarket To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison then as listed below: Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Dalry Road at Haymarket Station and then all recognised stops to Regent Road. To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below: Dalry Road at Haymarket Station – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison and then all recognised stops thereafter.
24	MORE BUSES Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh New service 24 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Pumpherston – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
25	MORE BUSES Now every 15 minutes between Armadale, Falside, Bathgate, Deans and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh DIRECT from Bathgate and Deans to Livingston, The Centre DIRECT from Broxburn and Uphall to Livingston, The Centre New service 25 route – Blackridge – Armadale – Falside – Bathgate – Deans North – Carmondean – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
24 25	LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Maybury and Haymarket To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then as listed below: Glasgow Road at North Gyle Rd – St John’s Road at Foot of Drumbrae – St John’s Road at Glebe Road – St John’s Road at Station Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Haymarket Terrace at Roseberry Crescent then all recognised stops to Regent Road. To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below: Haymarket Terrace at Haymarket Station – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – St John's Road at Kirk Loan – St John's Road at Foot of Drumbrae – Glasgow Road at North Gyle Road – Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then all recognised stops thereafter.
26	SIMPLIFIED ROUTE AND FREQUENCY Every 15 minutes between Knightsridge, Ladywell, Howden and Livingston, The Centre Every 15 minutes between Livingston, The Centre, West Calder and Addiewell New all-day link to Livingston North Station MORE BUSES serving Birniehill and J4M8 Distribution Park New service 26 route – Livingston North Station – Knightsridge – Ladywell – St John’s Hospital – Howden – Livingston The Centre – Polbeth – West Calder – Addiewell – Loganlea – Stoneyburn – Bents – Fauldhouse – Whitburn – J4M8 Birniehill – Bathgate
27 X27	NEW Livingston local service All journeys numbered 27 – Service number X27 discontinued. New service 27 route – St John’s Hospital – Ladywell West – Craigshill – Asda – Livingston The Centre – Almondvale Retail Park – Dedridge
28 28C X28	These services will no longer operate. Please refer to services 25 (Bathgate – Deans – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Knightsridge – Livingston The Centre) and 23 (Livingston The Centre – East Calder – Edinburgh).
600	NEW service providing links from Winchburgh and Kirkliston to Edinburgh Airport New service 600 route – Livingston The Centre – Deer Park – Uphall – Broxburn – Winchburgh – Kirkliston – Edinburgh Airport
800 801 803	These services will no longer operate. Please refer to services 25 (Blackridge – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Livingston The Centre – Fauldhouse – Bathgate) and 27 (Livingston The Centre – Dedridge West).
802 900 920 921 922 X99	These services will no longer operate.

Changes to services operating from Falkirk area – From Monday 20 August

Service	Route and details of proposed changes
1	Route extended from Linlithgow Cross to Bridgend Village, partly replacing service 38.
29 29A 29C	Revised route within Armadale. All journeys numbered 29 – Services numbers 29A and 29C discontinued.
38 38A X38	Revised route, timetable and frequency. Route replaced in Bridgend Village by service 1. Gyle Centre is no longer served. All journeys numbered 38 – Services numbers 38A and X38 discontinued.

West Lothian Area Network Map
Livingston Town Centre Map
Services 21/22
21 - Whitburn – Armadale – Bathgate – Blackburn – Seafield – Kirkton Campus – Livingston The Centre
22 - Harthill – Whitburn – Blackburn – Seafield – Livingston Village – Livingston The Centre
Services 23/X23
23 - Deans – Eliburn – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge East – Mid Calder – East Calder – Kirknewton – Sighthill – Edinburgh
X23 - Broxburn – Uphall – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Mid Calder – East Calder – Wilkieston – Sighthill – Edinburgh
Services 24/25
24 - Deans – Eliburn – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Pumpherston – Uphall – Broxburn – Corstorphine – Edinburgh
25 - Blackridge – Armadale – Falside – Bathgate – Deans – Carmondean – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Uphall – Broxburn – Corstorphine – Edinburgh
Service 26
Livingston North Station – Knightsridge – Ladywell – St John’s Hospital – Howden – Livingston The Centre – West Calder – Addiewell – Loganlea – Stoneyburn – Bents – Fauldhouse – Whitburn – Birniehill – Bathgate
Service 27
St John’s Hospital – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge
Service 600
Livingston The Centre – Deer Park – Uphall – Broxburn – Winchburgh – Kirkliston – Edinburgh Airport

 

[DunsBus]

I found these changes below too from after 2017 but pre-covid:​

​

West Lothian Network Changes​

From Monday 6th August, West Lothian Service Changes will come into effect. We want to make sure you're prepared for these changes before travelling with us so we've summarised some of the best bits for you below:

• We are continuing to regularly serve St John’s Hospital
• We are providing faster links into Edinburgh City Centre
• We are providing a new, faster service to Edinburgh Airport which will now serve Winchburgh and Kirkliston

Click here for the new West Lothian Network map.

What are the benefits of travelling with us?

• More buses, simpler routes, simpler frequencies and new links
• ALL First buses accept contactless payments and mobile ticketing
• Regular Friday/Saturday Night Services connect West Lothian and Edinburgh

You can pick up a copy of our printed timetables on bus and in public spaces across West Lothian.
See below for more detailed information on our new services, routes as well as all the timetables, and network and town centre maps so you can plan your journey in advance.
Services not listed below will continue to operate unchanged and these timetables can be found here.

Service	Route and details of proposed changes
21 21A 21B 21C X21	Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre NEW all-day link to Kirkton Campus All journeys numbered 21 – Services numbers 21A, 21B, 21C and X21 discontinued. New service 21 route – Whitburn – Armadale – Bathgate – Blackburn – Seafield – Kirkton Campus – Livingston The Centre
22 22A 22B X22	Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre All journeys numbered 22 – Services numbers 22A, 22B and X22 discontinued. New service 22 route – Harthill – Whitburn – Blackburn – Seafield – Livingston Village – Livingston The Centre
23	MORE BUSES Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road New service 23 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge East – Mid Calder (Main Street) – East Calder (Langton Road) – Kirknewton – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
X23	DIRECT from Livingston, The Centre to Edinburgh New service X23 route – Broxburn (East Mains Industrial Estate or Strathbrock Centre) – Uphall – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Mid Calder (Calder Park) – East Calder (Main Street) – Wilkieston – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
23 X23	LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Saughton and Haymarket To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison then as listed below: Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Dalry Road at Haymarket Station and then all recognised stops to Regent Road. To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below: Dalry Road at Haymarket Station – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison and then all recognised stops thereafter.
24	MORE BUSES Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh New service 24 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Pumpherston – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
25	MORE BUSES Now every 15 minutes between Armadale, Falside, Bathgate, Deans and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh DIRECT from Bathgate and Deans to Livingston, The Centre DIRECT from Broxburn and Uphall to Livingston, The Centre New service 25 route – Blackridge – Armadale – Falside – Bathgate – Deans North – Carmondean – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
24 25	LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Maybury and Haymarket To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then as listed below: Glasgow Road at North Gyle Rd – St John’s Road at Foot of Drumbrae – St John’s Road at Glebe Road – St John’s Road at Station Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Haymarket Terrace at Roseberry Crescent then all recognised stops to Regent Road. To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below: Haymarket Terrace at Haymarket Station – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – St John's Road at Kirk Loan – St John's Road at Foot of Drumbrae – Glasgow Road at North Gyle Road – Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then all recognised stops thereafter.
26	SIMPLIFIED ROUTE AND FREQUENCY Every 15 minutes between Knightsridge, Ladywell, Howden and Livingston, The Centre Every 15 minutes between Livingston, The Centre, West Calder and Addiewell New all-day link to Livingston North Station MORE BUSES serving Birniehill and J4M8 Distribution Park New service 26 route – Livingston North Station – Knightsridge – Ladywell – St John’s Hospital – Howden – Livingston The Centre – Polbeth – West Calder – Addiewell – Loganlea – Stoneyburn – Bents – Fauldhouse – Whitburn – J4M8 Birniehill – Bathgate
27 X27	NEW Livingston local service All journeys numbered 27 – Service number X27 discontinued. New service 27 route – St John’s Hospital – Ladywell West – Craigshill – Asda – Livingston The Centre – Almondvale Retail Park – Dedridge
28 28C X28	These services will no longer operate. Please refer to services 25 (Bathgate – Deans – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Knightsridge – Livingston The Centre) and 23 (Livingston The Centre – East Calder – Edinburgh).
600	NEW service providing links from Winchburgh and Kirkliston to Edinburgh Airport New service 600 route – Livingston The Centre – Deer Park – Uphall – Broxburn – Winchburgh – Kirkliston – Edinburgh Airport
800 801 803	These services will no longer operate. Please refer to services 25 (Blackridge – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Livingston The Centre – Fauldhouse – Bathgate) and 27 (Livingston The Centre – Dedridge West).
802 900 920 921 922 X99	These services will no longer operate.

Changes to services operating from Falkirk area – From Monday 20 August

Service	Route and details of proposed changes
1	Route extended from Linlithgow Cross to Bridgend Village, partly replacing service 38.
29 29A 29C	Revised route within Armadale. All journeys numbered 29 – Services numbers 29A and 29C discontinued.
38 38A X38	Revised route, timetable and frequency. Route replaced in Bridgend Village by service 1. Gyle Centre is no longer served. All journeys numbered 38 – Services numbers 38A and X38 discontinued.

West Lothian Area Network Map
Livingston Town Centre Map
Services 21/22
21 - Whitburn – Armadale – Bathgate – Blackburn – Seafield – Kirkton Campus – Livingston The Centre
22 - Harthill – Whitburn – Blackburn – Seafield – Livingston Village – Livingston The Centre
Services 23/X23
23 - Deans – Eliburn – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge East – Mid Calder – East Calder – Kirknewton – Sighthill – Edinburgh
X23 - Broxburn – Uphall – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Mid Calder – East Calder – Wilkieston – Sighthill – Edinburgh
Services 24/25
24 - Deans – Eliburn – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Pumpherston – Uphall – Broxburn – Corstorphine – Edinburgh
25 - Blackridge – Armadale – Falside – Bathgate – Deans – Carmondean – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Uphall – Broxburn – Corstorphine – Edinburgh
Service 26
Livingston North Station – Knightsridge – Ladywell – St John’s Hospital – Howden – Livingston The Centre – West Calder – Addiewell – Loganlea – Stoneyburn – Bents – Fauldhouse – Whitburn – Birniehill – Bathgate
Service 27
St John’s Hospital – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge
Service 600
Livingston The Centre – Deer Park – Uphall – Broxburn – Winchburgh – Kirkliston – Edinburgh Airport

These were from 2018, being implemented a couple of weeks before Lothian Country started up and designed to make sure that LC made no significant inroads into First's customer base.

 

[PaulMc7]

These were from 2018, being implemented a couple of weeks before Lothian Country started up and designed to make sure that LC made no significant inroads into First's customer base.

Thanks for the info. I knew it was either 2018 or 2019 but couldn't quite remember.

 

[stevenedin]

These were from 2018, being implemented a couple of weeks before Lothian Country started up and designed to make sure that LC made no significant inroads into First's customer base.

I didn’t realise that they already knew Lothian Country were coming at this point. Thanks for sharing.

I found these changes below too from after 2017 but pre-covid:​

​

West Lothian Network Changes​

From Monday 6th August, West Lothian Service Changes will come into effect. We want to make sure you're prepared for these changes before travelling with us so we've summarised some of the best bits for you below:

• We are continuing to regularly serve St John’s Hospital
• We are providing faster links into Edinburgh City Centre
• We are providing a new, faster service to Edinburgh Airport which will now serve Winchburgh and Kirkliston

Click here for the new West Lothian Network map.

What are the benefits of travelling with us?

• More buses, simpler routes, simpler frequencies and new links
• ALL First buses accept contactless payments and mobile ticketing
• Regular Friday/Saturday Night Services connect West Lothian and Edinburgh

You can pick up a copy of our printed timetables on bus and in public spaces across West Lothian.
See below for more detailed information on our new services, routes as well as all the timetables, and network and town centre maps so you can plan your journey in advance.
Services not listed below will continue to operate unchanged and these timetables can be found here.

Service	Route and details of proposed changes
21 21A 21B 21C X21	Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre NEW all-day link to Kirkton Campus All journeys numbered 21 – Services numbers 21A, 21B, 21C and X21 discontinued. New service 21 route – Whitburn – Armadale – Bathgate – Blackburn – Seafield – Kirkton Campus – Livingston The Centre
22 22A 22B X22	Services 21 and 22 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Blackburn and Livingston, The Centre All journeys numbered 22 – Services numbers 22A, 22B and X22 discontinued. New service 22 route – Harthill – Whitburn – Blackburn – Seafield – Livingston Village – Livingston The Centre
23	MORE BUSES Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road New service 23 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge East – Mid Calder (Main Street) – East Calder (Langton Road) – Kirknewton – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
X23	DIRECT from Livingston, The Centre to Edinburgh New service X23 route – Broxburn (East Mains Industrial Estate or Strathbrock Centre) – Uphall – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Mid Calder (Calder Park) – East Calder (Main Street) – Wilkieston – Hermiston (for Heriot Watt University) – Sighthill – Gorgie – Haymarket – Edinburgh
23 X23	LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Saughton and Haymarket To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison then as listed below: Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Dalry Road at Haymarket Station and then all recognised stops to Regent Road. To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below: Dalry Road at Haymarket Station – Dalry Road at Dalry Primary School – Gorgie Road at Gorgie City Farm – Gorgie Road at Stewart Terrace – Gorgie Road at Balgreen Road – Gorgie Road at Chesser House – Stenhouse Road at Saughton Prison and then all recognised stops thereafter.
24	MORE BUSES Services 23 and 24 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Eliburn and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh New service 24 route – Deans North & South – Eliburn – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Pumpherston – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
25	MORE BUSES Now every 15 minutes between Armadale, Falside, Bathgate, Deans and Livingston, The Centre Services 23, 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 7/8 minutes on Alderstone Road Services 24 and 25 combine to provide buses every 15 minutes between Uphall, Broxburn and Edinburgh DIRECT from Bathgate and Deans to Livingston, The Centre DIRECT from Broxburn and Uphall to Livingston, The Centre New service 25 route – Blackridge – Armadale – Falside – Bathgate – Deans North – Carmondean – Alderstone Road (at St John’s Hospital) – Livingston The Centre – Uphall – Broxburn – Ratho Station – Maybury – Corstorphine – Haymarket – Edinburgh
24 25	LIMITED STOP – All journeys will observe a Limited Stop Pattern in both directions between Maybury and Haymarket To Edinburgh – All recognised bus stops observed to Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then as listed below: Glasgow Road at North Gyle Rd – St John’s Road at Foot of Drumbrae – St John’s Road at Glebe Road – St John’s Road at Station Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Haymarket Terrace at Roseberry Crescent then all recognised stops to Regent Road. To West Lothian – All recognised bus stops observed to Shandwick Place then as listed below: Haymarket Terrace at Haymarket Station – Roseburn Terrace at Roseburn Gardens – Corstorphine Road at Murrayfield Ice Rink – Corstorphine Road at Western Corner – Corstorphine Road at Balgreen Road – Corstorphine Road at Zoo – St John's Road at Kirk Loan – St John's Road at Foot of Drumbrae – Glasgow Road at North Gyle Road – Glasgow Road at Maybury Junction then all recognised stops thereafter.
26	SIMPLIFIED ROUTE AND FREQUENCY Every 15 minutes between Knightsridge, Ladywell, Howden and Livingston, The Centre Every 15 minutes between Livingston, The Centre, West Calder and Addiewell New all-day link to Livingston North Station MORE BUSES serving Birniehill and J4M8 Distribution Park New service 26 route – Livingston North Station – Knightsridge – Ladywell – St John’s Hospital – Howden – Livingston The Centre – Polbeth – West Calder – Addiewell – Loganlea – Stoneyburn – Bents – Fauldhouse – Whitburn – J4M8 Birniehill – Bathgate
27 X27	NEW Livingston local service All journeys numbered 27 – Service number X27 discontinued. New service 27 route – St John’s Hospital – Ladywell West – Craigshill – Asda – Livingston The Centre – Almondvale Retail Park – Dedridge
28 28C X28	These services will no longer operate. Please refer to services 25 (Bathgate – Deans – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Knightsridge – Livingston The Centre) and 23 (Livingston The Centre – East Calder – Edinburgh).
600	NEW service providing links from Winchburgh and Kirkliston to Edinburgh Airport New service 600 route – Livingston The Centre – Deer Park – Uphall – Broxburn – Winchburgh – Kirkliston – Edinburgh Airport
800 801 803	These services will no longer operate. Please refer to services 25 (Blackridge – Livingston The Centre), 26 (Livingston The Centre – Fauldhouse – Bathgate) and 27 (Livingston The Centre – Dedridge West).
802 900 920 921 922 X99	These services will no longer operate.

Changes to services operating from Falkirk area – From Monday 20 August

Service	Route and details of proposed changes
1	Route extended from Linlithgow Cross to Bridgend Village, partly replacing service 38.
29 29A 29C	Revised route within Armadale. All journeys numbered 29 – Services numbers 29A and 29C discontinued.
38 38A X38	Revised route, timetable and frequency. Route replaced in Bridgend Village by service 1. Gyle Centre is no longer served. All journeys numbered 38 – Services numbers 38A and X38 discontinued.

West Lothian Area Network Map
Livingston Town Centre Map
Services 21/22
21 - Whitburn – Armadale – Bathgate – Blackburn – Seafield – Kirkton Campus – Livingston The Centre
22 - Harthill – Whitburn – Blackburn – Seafield – Livingston Village – Livingston The Centre
Services 23/X23
23 - Deans – Eliburn – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge East – Mid Calder – East Calder – Kirknewton – Sighthill – Edinburgh
X23 - Broxburn – Uphall – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Mid Calder – East Calder – Wilkieston – Sighthill – Edinburgh
Services 24/25
24 - Deans – Eliburn – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Pumpherston – Uphall – Broxburn – Corstorphine – Edinburgh
25 - Blackridge – Armadale – Falside – Bathgate – Deans – Carmondean – Alderstone Road – Livingston The Centre – Uphall – Broxburn – Corstorphine – Edinburgh
Service 26
Livingston North Station – Knightsridge – Ladywell – St John’s Hospital – Howden – Livingston The Centre – West Calder – Addiewell – Loganlea – Stoneyburn – Bents – Fauldhouse – Whitburn – Birniehill – Bathgate
Service 27
St John’s Hospital – Craigshill – Livingston The Centre – Dedridge
Service 600
Livingston The Centre – Deer Park – Uphall – Broxburn – Winchburgh – Kirkliston – Edinburgh Airport

Thanks for sharing. I preferred this network charge to the 2017 one as it has more services whereas in 2017 it was basically 21/A/B/C/X21, 22/A/B/X22, 27/X27, 28/X28/28C, 29/A/C, 800, 801, 802 and 803

 

[PaulMc7]

Do most drivers avoid a Saturday in West Lothian because the cancellation lists seem to get so much longer each Saturday.

This was today's as it stands:

Midland Bluebird

Scotland's Largest Independent Bus Company

www.firstbus.co.uk

Journey Cancellations

We're really sorry for the inconvenience that this will cause. We're working hard to run as many journeys as possible. Please be patient with our team of drivers - it's not their fault and they're working very hard to get you where you need to go. Due to the current national driver shortage the journeys below will not operate today.
Please note, these cancellations won't appear on our app or be noted on our timetable page - we recommend you bookmark this page and check before you travel. We may be able to reinstate some journeys at short notice. Please check our timetables >> to look for alternative journeys - it's likely the trip straight after a cancelled journey will be busy and may suffer delays.
Updated Saturday 27th August 14:47

Route	Time	Location	Time	Location
20​	16:05​	Ratho	17:08​	Chesser
20​	17:20​	Chesser	18:37​	Ratho
20​	18:38​	Ratho	19:33​	Longstone
26​	11:35​	Livi north	13:23​	Bathgate
26​	13:35​	Livi north	15:23​	Bathgate
26​	13:47​	Bathgate	15:31​	Livi north
26​	14:35​	Livi north	16:23​	Bathgate
26​	15:35​	Livi north	17:23​	Bathgate
26​	15:47​	Bathgate	17:31​	Livi north
26​	16:47​	Bathgate	18:26​	Livi north
26​	17:55​	Bathgate	19:28​	Livi north
26​	18:47​	Bathgate	20:20​	Livi north
26​	18:53​	Livi north	20:19​	Bathgate
26​	19:23​	Livi north	19:47​	Livi centre
26​	19:53​	Livi north	21:19​	Bathgate
26​	20:23​	Livi north	20:47​	Livi centre
26​	20:55​	Bathgate	22:19​	Livi north
26​	21:55​	Bathgate	23:19​	Livi north
26​	22:27​	Livi centre	22:49​	Livi north
51​	20:22​	cowie	21:14​	alloa
51​	22:20​	stirling	22:44​	alloa
52​	21:16​	alloa	22:02​	stirling
52​	22:46​	alloa	23:17​	menstrie
63​	10:14​	Newbridge	10:41​	Queensferry
63​	11:06​	Queensferry	12:16​	Balerno
63​	12:30​	Balerno	13:41​	Queensferry
63​	14:06​	Queensferry	14:33​	Newbridge
600​	11:52​	Deer pk	12:19​	Kirkliston
600​	12:21​	Kirkliston	13:06​	Livi centre
600​	13:08​	Livi centre	13:49​	Kirkliston
600​	13:51​	Kirkliston	14:36​	Livi centre
600​	14:38​	Livi centre	14:52​	Deer pk
600​	15:22​	Deer pk	15:36​	Livi centre
600​	15:38​	Livi centre	16:19​	Kirkliston
600​	16:21​	Kirkliston	17:06​	Livi centre
600​	17:08​	Livi centre	17:49​	Kirkliston
600​	17:22​	Deer pk	17:36​	Livi centre
600​	17:38​	Livi centre	18:19​	Kirkliston
600​	17:51​	Kirkliston	18:36​	Livi centre
600​	18:21​	Kirkliston	19:06​	Livi centre
600​	18:37​	Livi centre	18:51​	Deer pk
600​	18:51​	Deer pk	19:18​	Kirkliston
600​	19:19​	Kirkliston	19:59​	Livi centre
600​	19:37​	Livi centre	20:13​	Kirkliston
600​	20:19​	Kirkliston	20:59​	Livi centre
600​	20:37​	Livi centre	21:13​	Kirkliston
600​	21:16​	Kirkliston	21:56​	Livi centre
600​	21:58​	Livi centre	22:34​	Kirkliston
600​	22:35​	Kirkliston	23:15​	Livi centre
X22	15:31​	Shinetsu	16:54​	Edinburgh
X22	16:31​	Shinetsu	17:54​	Edinburgh
X22	16:46​	Shinetsu	17:33​	Shotts
X22	17:24​	Edinburgh	19:08​	Whitburn
X22	17:48​	Shotts	19:50​	Edinburgh
X22	18:16​	Shinetsu	19:03​	Shotts
X22	18:24​	Edinburgh	19:27​	Livi centre
X22	19:18​	Shotts	21:20​	Edinburgh
X22	19:49​	Livi centre	20:50​	Edinburgh
X22	19:54​	Edinburgh	21:30​	Whitburn
X22	20:49​	Livi centre	21:50​	Edinburgh
X22	20:54​	Edinburgh	22:30​	Whitburn
X22	21:24​	Edinburgh	22:23​	Livi centre
X22	21:42​	Whitburn	22:03​	Shinetsu
X22	21:54​	Edinburgh	23:30​	Whitburn
X22	22:03​	Shinetsu	22:34​	East calder
X24	08:57​	Deans north	10:32​	Edinburgh
X24	10:41​	Edinburgh	12:20​	Deans north
X24	13:27​	Deans north	15:02​	Edinburgh
X24	13:57​	Deans north	15:32​	Edinburgh
X24	14:27​	Deans north	16:02​	Edinburgh
X24	14:57​	Deans north	16:32​	Edinburgh
X24	15:11​	Edinburgh	16:50​	Deans north
X24	15:41​	Edinburgh	17:20​	Deans north
X24	16:11​	Edinburgh	17:50​	Deans north
X24	16:27​	Deans north	18:02​	Edinburgh
X24	16:41​	Edinburgh	18:20​	Deans north
X24	18:11​	Edinburgh	19:50​	Deans north
X24	20:13​	Deans north	21:43​	Edinburgh
X24	20:26​	Edinburgh	21:53​	Deans north
X24	21:26​	Edinburgh	22:53​	Deans north
X25	08:15​	Livi centre	09:17​	Blackridge
X25	09:23​	Blackridge	10:25​	Livi centre
X25	10:45​	Livi centre	11:47​	Blackridge
X25	11:35​	Deans rd	13:25​	Livi north
X25	11:53​	Blackridge	12:35​	Deans rd
X25	12:35​	Deans rd	12:55​	Livi centre
X25	13:15​	Livi centre	14:17​	Blackridge
X25	13:45​	Livi north	14:47​	Blackridge
X25	14:05​	Deans rd	14:25​	Livi centre
X25	14:23​	Blackridge	15:05​	Deans rd
X25	14:45​	Livi centre	15:47​	Blackridge
X25	14:53​	Blackridge	15:35​	Deeans rd
X25	15:53​	Blackridge	16:35​	Deans rd
X25	17:05​	Deans rd	17:47​	Blackridge
X25	18:05​	Blackridge	20:08​	Edinburgh
X25	19:06​	Livi centre	19:58​	Blackridge
X25	19:44​	Deans rd	21:08​	Edinburgh
X25	20:05​	Blackridge	21:29​	Broxburn
X25	21:30​	Broxburn	21:41​	Uphall
X25	21:56​	Edinburgh	23:18​	Deans north

​

 

[Stan Drews]

Its usually more difficult getting staff to work overtime on a Saturday than through the week. Four consecutive X24s to/from Edinburgh certainly isn’t great though!

 

[PaulMc7]

Its usually more difficult getting staff to work overtime on a Saturday than through the week. Four consecutive X24s to/from Edinburgh certainly isn’t great though!

The planning of the cancellations definitely has been awful at times. 4 in a row missing on different buses is normal in West Lothian with how bad it has been. There has been a couple of days with 5/6 21s missing and they're hourly too.

They might genuinely need to just be realistic and cut services to a level they can run but I dread to imagine what that looks like at the moment.

If they can shift the 20, 63 and 68 as soon as possible it may help a bit but I don't know at this point.

 

[Stan Drews]

The planning of the cancellations definitely has been awful at times. 4 in a row missing on different buses is normal in West Lothian with how bad it has been. There has been a couple of days with 5/6 21s missing and they're hourly too.

They might genuinely need to just be realistic and cut services to a level they can run but I dread to imagine what that looks like at the moment.

If they can shift the 20, 63 and 68 as soon as possible it may help a bit but I don't know at this point.

Yes, unless they’re making some massive profit on the Edinburgh City tenders, you’d have thought it made sense to decline the contract extension, but that seems to have gone quiet.

 

[PaulMc7]

Yes, unless they’re making some massive profit on the Edinburgh City tenders, you’d have thought it made sense to decline the contract extension, but that seems to have gone quiet.

New timetables were added to the site for the 20 and 63 that commenced on the 19th August but they didn't look any different to the previous ones.

 

[Trnsprt4Sctlnd]

New timetables were added to the site for the 20 and 63 that commenced on the 19th August but they didn't look any different to the previous ones.

Extra Money? That’ll have First in a wee multiple (expletive)….

 

[Jordan Adam]

Do most drivers avoid a Saturday in West Lothian because the cancellation lists seem to get so much longer each Saturday.

This was today's as it stands:

Midland Bluebird

Scotland's Largest Independent Bus Company

www.firstbus.co.uk

​

In Aberdeen the agency drivers don't work weekends. Presumably Scotland East is the same.

 

[PaulMc7]

In Aberdeen the agency drivers don't work weekends. Presumably Scotland East is the same.

That would make sense to be fair. The weekdays are still bad but Saturdays are by far the worst. I feel for everyone trying to use their services.

 

[Volvodart]

The new agency drivers in Aberdeen obtained at high cost do work all days of the week. They have their own rotas.

 

[stantheman]

What’s the timetable for the 68 from today please ? I assume the point of this is to connect communities with the Gyle who would otherwise be cut off ?

 

[Volvodart]

I do not think any change has been registered yet.

 

[PaulMc7]

They don't make it easy to keep up with timetables to be fair. Some of the ones on the website are months out of date at this point.

 

[JurassicMan]

What’s the timetable for the 68 from today please ? I assume the point of this is to connect communities with the Gyle who would otherwise be cut off ?

There are no changes to the 68 timetable,it continues on present timetable .
Yes it services locals to both Gyle and Corstorphine shops.

The planning of the cancellations definitely has been awful at times. 4 in a row missing on different buses is normal in West Lothian with how bad it has been. There has been a couple of days with 5/6 21s missing and they're hourly too.

They might genuinely need to just be realistic and cut services to a level they can run but I dread to imagine what that looks like at the moment.

If they can shift the 20, 63 and 68 as soon as possible it may help a bit but I don't know at this point.

The 20.63 and 68 will remain with First for the time being,expect a reduced frequency to be announced though. This will free up approx 15 drivers for other work.

The cancellations are very mixed from day to day ,however unlike other operators First do at least try to inform passengers, not always perfect but better then no information at all.

 

[PaulMc7]

There are no changes to the 68 timetable,it continues on present timetable .
Yes it services locals to both Gyle and Corstorphine shops.


The 20.63 and 68 will remain with First for the time being,expect a reduced frequency to be announced though. This will free up approx 15 drivers for other work.

The cancellations are very mixed from day to day ,however unlike other operators First do at least try to inform passengers, not always perfect but better then no information at all.

It'll be better for residents when the cancellation feature is fully working on the app to be honest. They test it on the same 26 and 600 journeys in the morning midweek every so often but it's not came to much yet in West Lothian. I can remember them testing it on the 51/52 and the X10 too but that's completely died down too.

I mainly go to Stirling and Falkirk when I'm using the services in this operation so it would be good to have it implemented soon so it makes planning journeys easier.

On the subject of the cancellation feature, more testing seems to be happening. I've noticed a 1, F16, 57 and some more 600s all showing as cancelled today.

 

[Volvodart]

Services 20, 63 & 68 | West of Edinburgh Update | From 12th September

https://www.firstbus.co.uk/south-ea...ates/updates/services-20-63-68-west-edinburgh

​

31 Aug 2022All Areas

Location:	West Edinburgh Services
Cause:
Responsibility:
Dates:	12 Sep 2022

Update on West Edinburgh Services 20, 63 & 68:​

After lengthy discussions with the City of Edinburgh Council, we’re pleased to announce that we’ll be continuing to operate services 20 (Ratho to Chesser via Gyle) and 63 (South Queensferry to Balerno via Gyle) to a revised timetable with effect from 12th September, while service 68 (Gyle to Turnhouse, Clermiston and Corstorphine) will continue unchanged, following the award of a revised contract by the council.

	Service Detail Timetable 20 Revised timetable effective from 12th September Click here to see Mon-Sat Timetable Click here to see Sunday Timetable 63 Revised timetable effective from 12th September Click here to see Mon-Sat Timetable Click here to see Sunday Timetable 68 No change to current timetable. Click here to view

It’s important to note that the operation of these routes is managed by the council and subsequently tendered out to bus operators. With this in mind, our contract to operate these services on the council’s behalf had come to a natural end.

It was important for us to proactively collaborate with the City of Edinburgh Council to ensure that we can deliver a reliable bus service for the communities served by all three routes in the face of the ongoing industry wide driver shortages, an issue that we’re still contending with.

As a result of our discussions with the council, we have accepted a one-year extension that ensures service continuity across these routes.

We’re mindful that members of the communities that services 20, 63 and 68 operate in have been concerned about the future of these route. It is hoped that this good news is welcomed by the communities and that they show their support for the services concerned in the best way possible through using them.