Lothian Country, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lothian, has today announced plans to expand its services to West Lothian – creating in excess of 65 new jobs.
Beginning on Sunday 19 August, three new routes will be introduced to the area, creating links between Edinburgh and Bathgate and Edinburgh Park Station and Whitburn – both seven days a week.
Lothian Country currently operates the 43/X43 service between Edinburgh and South Queensferry.
A ‘bespoke’ fleet of double-deckers has been sourced for use on the new routes, which will be painted in Lothian Country’s green and cream livery. USB charging points and WiFi will be available on each bus.
A range of ticketing options will be available, allowing extended travel across the entire Lothian network.
Richard Hall, Lothian’s Managing Director commented: “We are excited to announce our wider plans for operations in West Lothian as part of Lothian Country.
“For a number of years we have received repeated requests to introduce a service to this area and we are delighted that we can today announce our plans. We look forward to releasing further more detailed information in the coming weeks.”
Executive councillor for development and transport, Cathy Muldoon, added: “We are delighted that Lothian are extending their services into West Lothian and we welcome the improvements this will bring to the public transport network that connects our communities.
“I believe that this will be warmly welcomed by local residents and West Lothian Council is looking forward to building a strong partnership with Lothian going forward to further improve services for local people.”
The operator is to hold recruitment days for the new services at Edinburgh’s Mercure Livingston hotel on 11, 17, 18 and 19 July; for more information, email [email protected]
