Just the ticket as bus link is saved

Feb 12 2009 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

WEST Lothian Council has stepped in to save a vital commuter bus service.

The council has agreed to subsidise the X33 service connecting Fauldhouse, Whitburn and Blackburn with Edinburgh, after operators First said that the service was running at a loss.

Last week the Courier told you how politicians had united to fight First Bus’ proposals to withdraw the twice daily service.

Now a reduced service will run as an interim measure from Monday, February 9 funded by the council.

The earlier of the two journeys into Edinburgh, which leaves Fauldhouse at 6.24am, and the later of the two return journeys back to West Lothian, which leaves Edinburgh at 5.15pm, will continue as normal.

Executive Councillor for Development and Transport, Martyn Day, said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to step in and save this service, which offers a vital link into Edinburgh for many communities.

“We understand many West Lothian residents rely on this service to get them into work, so it’s important that this link is maintained, particularly in the current financial climate.

“We will now be looking into the needs of commuters in the affected areas, with the aim of finding a permanent solution.”

And the partial reprieve of the service has been hailed by MP Michael Connarty and his Labour colleague Mary Mulligan MSP.

The Linlithgow MP said: “This is a victory for the people of Whitburnfor standing up for vital publicservices.

“But we need to keep pressure on so that this bus remains and isn’t allowed to be taken off at a future date.”

Ms Mulligan added: “This is a welcome relief for people in Faulhouse, Whitburn, Blackburn, Seafield and throughout West Lothian – a service that gets people to work is not a luxury it’s a vital service and I’m glad at least one bus is still running.”

Fauldhouse Councillor Neil Lindsay said: “The subsidy for this bus is money well spent to support local communities and stop them being cut off from jobs and services.

“I will be campaigning together with my colleagues Cllr Swan and Cllr Paul to make sure this support stays in place for the long term.”

The council’s decision to subsidise the service has been praised by Livingston MSP Angela Constance.

The SNP MSP said: “I think it is great news that West Lothian Council have responded so speedily to the concerns of people in the area, especially my constituents in Livingston.

”They have stepped up to the plate and taken the initial decision to subsidise it in the short term while they take a wider review of bus services in West Lothian.

“Public transport, and particularly bus services, are a huge issue across West Lothian just now.

“I get complaints about buses on an almost daily basis, which makes thecouncil’s decision all the more welcome.”