I think that in the short term, the best that can be hoped for is an extension of the 44 from Fa'side Avenue to Strawberry Corner Roundabout. It's not an ideal quick bus into the city but it would at least provide a local frequent link to Musselburgh and indeed to the city if the passenger were willing to sit on the lengthy journey.
Interestingly 20002 went from Strawberry Corner, through the new houses first, then turned around at Fa’side and then did the same in reverse. I had considered the possibility of the 113 serving it, but again I’m not sure how likely that is. That and the X44 would probably do the the job nicely.
Agreed, X44 to offer a peak time quick route to/from the city and 44 for the rest of the time.
Lots of demand on Drum Brae Drive for the 200 service. The 21 also starts slightly later than the 200.
I think they would need to install a lay-by for a terminus though on Masons Way next to the Strawberry Corner roundabout though for the 44, so perhaps a through service would be more likely?
I think it’s a matter of time before either another journey is added, or hopefully the 200 and 400 become 24/7.
The 44 would be better doing this than going through Wallyford then round the new estate.
The problem with this would then be that the majority of Salters Road would lose its quick link with Musselburgh, which is well used. Sure, the 111 is available but takes a while travelling via Whitecraig and isn't suitable due to its timetable.
The X6 does the fast Wallyford-Edinburgh job. It defeats the purpose of the X5 if it has to do a tour round a new housing estate with all its traffic calming measures and speed bumps. The X5 is to provide a fast service from North Berwick, Gullane, Longniddry etc. to Edinburgh.
Knew it'd be 586. It's in green and white. Thanks for confirming! I've been interested regarding where this bus for weeks now, so it's good to now have an answer.
It was always going to be at Seafield or Ferrymill just not tracking
But it was what one it would be at I'm guessing they meant.
623 has been at Ferrymill for repair for 4 months now.
Just to add to that, 497’s re-entry into service has allowed 562 to move to Marine. It should move to Seafield on Monday for repaint prep and then hopefully out to Ferrymill soon after.
The interior is still in Airlink/Skylink blue.
The luggage racks were removed, and have been on 496 too.
Do you have any more photos?
Been sent this one.
I rather doubt that they even notice the difference to be honest. The average punter doesn't much care for the colour scheme of a bus/train/plane. So long as they can be sure they're on the right one (service number sorts that) and it actually gets them where they're going then they're happy enough.
I agree, it seems like a waste to run a bus from West Lothian to Edinburgh to run the 43. I understood why First did it previously as they didn’t have a depot in Edinburgh at that point but Lothian have 4 depots in Edinburgh (Central, Newbridge, Marine and Longstone). Newbridge or Central would be a better placed to operate the 43.
936 and another of the batch could possibly replace 905 and 906 although it’s only a year newer but it would allow them to sell off the older vehicle or possibly it is away for a repaint and this batch will replace 841-850. We will find out in time.
