Service 67 launches after years of campaigning for better public transport to Edinburgh’s adventure sports hub
A new direct bus service connecting Edinburgh city centre with Lost Shore Surf Resort, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) and the village of Ratho has launched, following years of campaigning for improved public transport links to the area.
Service 67 is initially operating hourly, Monday to Friday, creating a direct public transport connection between central Edinburgh and two of Scotland’s leading adventure sports destinations. The service is expected to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks.
Operated by HcL, Service 67 will connect central Edinburgh with Lost Shore Surf Resort and EICA Ratho, with stops including Haymarket Station, Hermiston Gate Park & Ride and Ratho Village.
The launch is a major milestone following several years of work to restore a direct public transport connection between Ratho and Edinburgh, including sustained campaigning by the Ratho Bus Working Group and support from Lost Shore and EICA for better transport links to the area.
Research carried out as part of the campaign demonstrated strong demand for improved public transport. More than 2,200 people responded to a community survey, with 90% saying they would use public transport if services to the area were improved.
The new route will make it significantly easier for Edinburgh residents and visitors without access to a car to reach Ratho and its growing adventure sports hub, bringing surfing and climbing within a direct bus journey of the city centre.
Lee Wood, Managing Director at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: “This is fantastic news for Lost Shore, EICA, the Ratho community and everyone who has worked so hard to make the case for better public transport to this part of Edinburgh.
“We’ve believed from the beginning that world-class adventure should be accessible to as many people as possible. Lost Shore and EICA offer two incredible experiences right next door to each other, but getting here without a car has been a real barrier for too many people.
“Service 67 has the potential to change that. For the first time, people will have a simple, direct connection from the city centre to come surfing at Lost Shore, climbing at EICA, or spend a day experiencing both.
“This has taken a huge collective effort, particularly from the Ratho Bus Working Group, who have campaigned tirelessly for better connections. Now the most important thing we can do is get behind the service and use it.”
Stacey O’Flaherty, Ratho Bus Working Group, added: “This is about much more than introducing another bus route. EICA and Lost Shore are two incredible destinations sitting side by side in Ratho, yet getting here without a car has remained difficult, while our community has been without a direct connection to Edinburgh city centre since 2014.
“More than 2,200 people took part in our research and 90% told us they would use public transport if a suitable service was available. The 67 responds to that demand, connecting EICA, Lost Shore and Ratho village directly with Hermiston Park & Ride, Haymarket and the city centre.
“This is a huge step forward for the community and for making this part of Edinburgh easier to reach. Now we need people to use it and help us demonstrate over the next six months just how valuable this connection can be.”
Victoria Harper, Manager at the EICA said: “We’re delighted to see the launch of Service 67 and the new opportunities it creates for our customers, staff and the wider community.
“One of the barriers to taking part in climbing and adventure activities can simply be getting here. This new direct connection makes EICA more accessible to people from across Edinburgh, whether they’re regular climbers, first-time visitors, students or families looking for an active day out.
“We’re proud to be part of a destination that brings climbing, surfing and outdoor adventure together, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people through our doors.”
Service 67 will initially operate as a six-month trial, with passenger use and feedback helping to inform decisions about the future of the service.
The service currently runs hourly, Monday to Friday, using accessible 16-seat minibuses, with plans to expand to seven days a week in the coming weeks. An adult single journey costs £2.40, with cash and card payments accepted. Under-22 and eligible concessionary National Entitlement Cards are also accepted.
The route will make it significantly easier for people across Edinburgh to reach Lost Shore and EICA by public transport, opening up access to two major adventure destinations without the need for a car.
It also creates a stronger connection between Lost Shore and neighbouring EICA, bringing surfing and climbing together as part of a distinctive active day out at Edinburgh’s adventure hub.
The timetable for Service 67 is available here – HcL Service 67