New bus contracts approved
Tenders to deliver new subsidised bus services for Blackridge and Greenrigg have been approved.
Council Executive have backed recommendations to offer new contracts for bus services following a recent bus tender exercise at their meeting on Tuesday 7 November.
The approved successful tenders were a revised 21 SD Travel service operating Blackridge to Boghall via Armadale and Bathgate, continuing to provide a contribution to Strathclyde Passenger Transport (SPT) to provide a connection linking Greenrigg with Shotts, Whitburn and Harthill.
If accepted by the operators, the routes will be registered with the Traffic Commissioner with the aim of starting to operate from 4 December 2023. Full route information and timetables will be available in due course following contract acceptance.
Executive councillor for environment Tom Conn said: "I welcome the decision to award tenders to that will ensure essential bus services are maintained for Blackridge and Greenrigg.
"McGill's decision to withdraw from West Lothian and Lothian Country's welcome recent commercial interventions have led to major changes in the local commercial bus network.
"Whilst the vast majority of the bus network is commercial, we subsidise around 20% services to try and ensure areas are not left without public transport links.
"Whilst the council does not have the resources to backfill commercial services, we have maintained funding of over £2 million for subsidised travel to support the communities who need it most.
"Thanks to all the council officers and local bus operators involved who have worked hard to come up with solutions to keep West Lothian communities connected at short notice."
Consultation was also carried out regarding public transport options for Livingston Village, but there were no route variations that could be agreed with operators that would restore services.
Scottish Citylink Coaches Ltd have also registered to change their 902 commercial service between Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport from Monday 4 December. The amended service route would include Harthill, Greenrigg and then re-join the M8 via Heartlands Services, providing a further transport link for Greenrigg residents.
