public transport – Page 5 – The NEN

Lothian Buses: timetable changes to be introduced from Sunday

A further service change will take effect on our network from Sunday 25 April, with improved reliability and increased frequency across Edinburgh and the Lothians, as well as new direct links in West Lothian to and from the vaccination centre at Pyramids Business Park.

Teams across Lothian have been analysing travel patterns and monitoring customer demand in order to best meet the needs of those travelling with us while we continue to move through the Scottish Government’s route-map to recovery.

Key changes to the network will include:

More buses during the day on Services 3, 8, 19, 21, 43 and 47.
Increased frequency on Monday to Saturday evenings until 2200 hrs approximately on Services 7, 11, 14, 16, 22, 25 and 26, to coincide with the reopening of the hospitality sector.
Improved reliability across the network, particularly for morning journeys.
New direct links in West Lothian between the Vaccination Centre in Bathgate and Addiewell, Polbeth and West Calder.

We are also pleased to announce that Shandwick Place TravelHub will reopen from Monday 26 April between 0830 – 1730 hrs from Monday to Saturday for Ridacard customers only.

Other TravelHubs will remain closed at this time until further notice.

If you need to visit our TravelHub, please read our advice below prior to attending:

We can only have a limited number of customers in the TravelHub at any one time. When necessary we will limit the flow of people coming in to ensure that they don’t become too congested.
Follow Scottish Government advice – You must wear a face covering when visiting us, unless you are exempt.
A hand sanitising station will be available for use before you enter the TravelHub. We recommend washing or sanitising your hands thoroughly before and after you visit us at the TravelHub.
You may be asked to queue inside before a member of our team is able to assist you. To help you, we have introduced floor markings and new signage to create a safe flow throughout the Travel Hub.
Our Network timetable information is available through our app or Traveline Scotland. No printed timetables are available at this time.
If you are looking to either restart or set up a new direct debit, please visit our Shandwick Place TravelHub where our team can help you complete an application form, take your photograph and issue you with your new Ridacard. If you can, please download our application form and complete this prior to your visit. If you have previously held a Ridacard with us and still have it in your possession, please return this to the TravelHub when you visit.
If you are wearing a face covering and you are purchasing a new Ridacard, we will ask you to briefly remove your face covering for a moment whilst we take your photograph.
For Ridacards with valid products which customers have been unable to use, Lothian will extend the validity of these tickets. This extension will be equal to the difference in days between either 26 December or the last usage of the ticket thereafter; and either the date you wish to start travelling on our services again, or the expiry of the product on the card – whichever is earlier. To claim the extension, customers should take their Ridacard to Shandwick Place TravelHub where our team can help you. Your extension will start from the day you visit us. We can’t set this to start from a date in the future, so please don’t visit until you are ready to start using your Ridacard again.
Avoid using cash where possible. Please use contactless or pay by card if you can.
Please respect our Travel Advisors and be considerate of all our customers.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all customers and colleagues who’ve shown compassion, understanding and support during these incredibly challenging times.

Scotland to benefit from £21.4m investment in new electric buses

Funding made available through Scottish Government’s Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme
22 double-deckers and 24 single-decker electric buses for Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and Perth
Major investment totalling £11m in Aberdeen, £6m in Kilmarnock and £4.4m in Perth
Buses all built in Scotland by leading bus manufacturer ADL with Perth and Aberdeen infrastructure provided by SSE
Boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector helping protect and grow jobs

Stagecoach has announced that it will be introducing a further 46 new fully electric buses representing an investment of £21.4m across Scotland as part of its drive to improve air quality and support the Scottish Government’s environmental targets.

The order for new electric buses follows today’s announcement by Scottish Government of additional funding being awarded through a second round of the Scottish Ultra-Low Emission Bus Scheme.

The initiative helps bus companies invest in electric vehicles and associated infrastructure to support a green recovery out of the coronavirus pandemic, improve air quality and advance Scotland’s ambitions for a net-zero economy.

Scottish Government has set a legally binding target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2045. Transport has a critical role to play in the economy reaching net zero, as rising car use has resulted in a rise in carbon emissions from the sector. Stagecoach has recently announced that it is targeting a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035.

Funding has been awarded to bus operators following a competitive bidding process with Scottish Government investing £8.9m from its grant scheme in the new Stagecoach buses.

The new electric bus order is made up of:

22 electric double-decker ADL E400 buses for use in Aberdeen City
15 electric single-decker ADL E200 buses for use on Kilmarnock Town Services 3, 6 and 7
9 electric single-decker ADL E200 single-deckers for use in Perth on bus routes 1 and 2
The investment provides a boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector, helping to protect and grow jobs in Scotland. The new buses will all be built in Falkirk by leading independent global bus manufacturer ADL in partnership with BYD, the company’s partner for electric buses in the UK and Ireland.

The award from Scottish Government also includes funding for electric infrastructure for depots. Stagecoach is partnering with Scottish-headquartered low carbon energy company SSE to deliver the new electrical infrastructure needed in Aberdeen and Perth depots.

Sam Greer, Regional Director for Stagecoach in Scotland, said: “Sustainable public transport is critical to the future of our planet: decarbonising local journeys, reducing road congestion, improving air quality and tackling climate change. We welcome today’s announcement by Scottish Government of additional funding to support the roll out of 46 new electric buses in Scotland.

“This major investment will also provide a boost for Scotland’s world-leading bus manufacturing sector, helping to protect and grow jobs in Scotland. As major investment is made in zero and low emission buses, it also enables us to build further on developing in skills and training for our engineering teams to maintain the new greener fleet as we transition to new zero emission technologies.

“As Scotland gears up to host the COP 26 climate change summit in November, it’s a crucial time for us all to think about how we can help deliver a greener recovery from Covid-19. Major investment in new zero-emission buses also needs to be matched by better road infrastructure and more bus priority measures to help encourage people to make the switch from car to sustainable public transport.”

Over the past decade, Stagecoach has invested more than £1 billion in 7,000 new greener vehicles – more than any other operator in the UK – including electric, hybrid electric and hydrogen and bio-fuel technologies.

Paul Davies, ADL President & Managing Director, said: “This substantial order of new electric buses continues Stagecoach’s track record of strong investment in cleaner buses. We look forward to working closely with Stagecoach to get these new buses onto the roads of Aberdeen, Perth and Kilmarnock at pace.

“These zero emission buses will be built at our factory in Falkirk and it is great news for Scotland that this investment is being recycled into the local economy, allowing the benefits to be felt across our communities whilst helping to underpin skilled jobs.”

Kevin Welstead EV Sector for SSE Enterprise said: “SSE Enterprise is delighted to partner with Stagecoach to help them deliver their planned bus electrification programme across Scotland.

“Ensuring that we provide this and the next generation with clean and green public transport is a priority for us – especially with COP26 coming to Glasgow this year, of which we are proud to be a major sponsor.”

Independent research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research* (Cebr) published last year shows that Stagecoach delivers cleaner communities and annually saves £12.4million in emissions impact costs, which could power 9,800 homes for a year.

Without Stagecoach bus services, there would be an annual increase of 190,000 tonnes of CO2 through passengers using alternative transport, mainly cars. Some £343 million in potential congestion-related savings are also delivered by Stagecoach through a reduction of 1.22 billion miles of traffic.

On The Buses: Operation Proust continues this weekend

Operation Proust will continue this weekend, with officers on patrol in different areas of Edinburgh to tackle antisocial behaviour on and around bus services.

There have been a number of incidents involving youths across the city over recent weeks, which have resulted in the disruption and even temporary termination of services.

The focus will be on ensuring services are able to run smoothly as well as deterring further incidents of antisocial behaviour and criminality.

Chief Inspector Sarah Taylor said: “Bus drivers have and continue to provide an essential service to the public during this pandemic, including transport to and from hospitals. It is disgraceful that those who have continued to support our communities have been targeted in this way.

“Officers will be out in the community providing reassurance to the drivers and members of the public. Anyone caught engaging in antisocial behaviour or violence will be dealt with robustly.

“Extensive enquiries are ongoing to trace the individuals involved in the recent incidents and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Lothian Buses announce new links to Vaccination Centre at Ingliston

Lothian Buses has today (Friday 19 February) announced its intention to introduce new daily transport links to the NHS Lothian Vaccination Centre located at the west of the city at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston.

From Sunday (21 February), Skylink services 200, 300 and 400 will be rerouted to provide vital links direct to the Royal Highland Centre from across Edinburgh and will assist thousands of individuals as they make the essential and important journey to the Vaccination Centre located within the grounds.

Services will stop at the Ingliston Road stop every day between approximately 07:45 hours and 21:00 hours.

The company has launched a dedicated Vaccination Centre journey planning webpage where locals can find information on how to travel to NHS Lothian Vaccination Centres across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Nigel Serafini, Interim Managing Director at Lothian Buses, said: “We are delighted to be able to support NHS Lothian with the rollout of the Covid-19 Vaccination programme by making it easier for residents across Edinburgh and the Lothians to travel to their appointments, as well as offering vital public transport links for those keyworkers and volunteers helping within the centre.

“Our teams have worked hard over the last 12 months to ensure our buses are clean, safe and accessible for those that require to make essential journeys.”

Lothian also recently announced that Lothian Country’s Service 275 will be rerouted to serve the Vaccination Centre at Pyramid’s Business Park, West Lothian, providing vital links across the region for locals attending vaccination appointments.

Information on services operating to Edinburgh Airport via Royal Highland Centre is outlined below:

Skylink 200 – Ocean Terminal <> Airport via Newhaven, Granton, Muirhouse, Drylaw, Blackhall and Clermiston.
Skylink 300 – Surgeons’ Hall <> Airport via Tollcross, Shandon, Slateford, Sighthill and Gyle Centre.
Skylink 400 – Fort Kinnaird <> Airport via Niddrie, Royal Infirmary, Gilmerton, Fairmilehead, Oxgangs, Clovenstone, Sighthill and Gyle Centre.

First West Lothian team up with Edinburgh Trams to offer better connectivity for passengers

First West Lothian team up with Edinburgh Trams to offer a through ticket on all services to link up with the tram at Ingliston Park & Ride, Gyle Centre and Edinburgh Park Station
£4.50 ticket offers a value for money through journey connection via bus and tram with Edinburgh City Centre.
Advice to all passengers is to check latest Scottish Government advice on essential travel guidelines in the area in advance of all journeys.

Local bus operator First West Lothian has teamed up with the Edinburgh Trams to provide customers with another direct link to Edinburgh City Centre via the new bus and tram through ticket.

Available exclusively on the award-winning First Bus App, the all new £4.50 Bus/Tram through ticket is available across all services on the West Lothian network meaning customers now have a convenient connection between their local bus service and the tram into the city centre.

Service 20 in particular offers passengers a drop off at the park and ride directly for quick and convenient access to the tram.

Alternatively, customers can still purchase the First day ticket for just £4.00 for the region (L&M) which gives access to all First West Lothian services including connections to Edinburgh City centre by bus alone. For example, with the day ticket customers can connect onto the X25, X24 and X38 straight into town.

First West Lothian Commercial Director Graeme Macfarlan said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people who need to make essential journeys to get around and get to their destinations safely during these unprecedented times.

“We were asked to consider the introduction of a through bus and tram ticket that offered the same benefits as those offered by the previous operator, and so, in responding to the needs of our customers, we are delighted to be introducing a through ticket to replicate that offering.

“The hope is now that the customers utilise this offer and support these services once they are able to do so as Coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease again.”

Lea Harrison, Managing Director of Edinburgh Trams said: “We are delighted to be partnering with First West Lothian to allow their customers to seamlessly connect to the city centre by tram.

“We offer fast and frequent services which an easy interchange with First services at Ingliston Park & Ride, Gyle Centre and Edinburgh Park Station for Hermiston Gait.

“We encourage all customers to check our website for the latest timetables and travel advice.”

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “This new ticket will give passengers even more options for seamless, reliable travel by public transport between Edinburgh and West Lothian.

“Of course, people should only be making essential journeys by any mode of transport at the moment. But this joint offer from First West Lothian and Edinburgh Trams will be beneficial for communities served by both in the future.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs said: “This is an excellent initiative from First West Lothian and Edinburgh Trams to improve connectivity between Edinburgh and West Lothian.

“Having an affordable multi-purpose ticket is a good way to make best use of the trams and make transport easier between West Lothian, Edinburgh city centre and the airport.

“I would like to see a paper ticket made available for those who don’t have a smartphone to buy a ticket on the First Bus app.”

Find out more here: www.firstscotlandeast.com/tram

Free bus travel for people aged under 19?

Share your views on proposals to reduce inequalities

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on new proposals to offer free bus travel for young people resident in Scotland aged under 19.

Over a third of people already benefit from free bus travel in Scotland. The proposed extension of free bus travel to approximately 770,000 young people will deliver on the budget agreement, as reaffirmed in the recent Programme for Government.

At the same time the proposals help realise the vision proposed through the National Transport Strategy – contributing to a transport system with reduced inequalities and one that advances equality of opportunity.

All young carers will now benefit from the wider proposed extension to the National Concessionary Travel Scheme. As such, the Scottish Government does not intend to legislate for a specific extension to recipients of the Young Carer Grant.

Legislation will also be put forward to offer free travel to companions of disabled children under the age of five as part of the extension to those aged under 19.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “With approximately 770,000 young people anticipated to benefit – these are hugely exciting proposals for the future of our bus sector and for inspiring future generations to engage with sustainable transport.

“Free bus travel will help young people under the age of 19 to access education, employment and leisure – particularly those from lower income families. What we are proposing will help our young people as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst supporting the vision outlined in our National Transport Strategy for a fairer and more sustainable transport system – reducing inequalities, tackling poverty and promoting opportunity.

“I’m confident that it will support the independence of young people and encourage a greater, long term shift to more sustainable travel – largely by embedding the use of public transport in people’s behaviour from an early age.

“To respond to the climate emergency, we need a shift away from private vehicle use towards more sustainable public transport. I’m confident this step could also help encourage modal shift in how young people get around – improving air quality in our towns and cities by reducing the number of car journeys made either by them or their family, friends, or carers.”

The consultation closes on Monday 7 December.

Access the consultation online: https://consult.gov.scot/transport-scotland/consultation-free-bus-travel-for-people-under19

From Monday, Lothian will no longer operate Services 20 and 63

After going to tender earlier this year, the City of Edinburgh Council awarded the contract for services 20 and 63 to a new operator, First Bus, who was expected to take over the running of these services in April 2020.

However, due to the Covid-19 crisis, Lothian agreed to continue the contract on a temporary basis until such time as a handover could be made possible.

As of August 31, the new operator will take over provision of these services.

Timetable information for both services can be found here or at the links below:

Service 20 – https://bit.ly/3go2aVf
Service 63 – https://bit.ly/34vtjmV

Customers with questions or queries can contact our social media team on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or our customer service team by emailing mail@lothianbuses.co.uk.

Both teams are here to help.

Stagecoach offers public transport ‘one stop shop’

Societal changes seen during pandemic lead to options for more flexible public transport
Range of products on offer to help businesses easily find the right transport solution
Dedicated education buses, simple corporate ticketing packages, demand responsive services, business shuttles and event travel support all available
Provides a more sustainable alternative to single use car trips
Building on success of tailored solutions introduced during Covid-19 pandemic
Additional options to run alongside regular bus, coach and tram services
Dedicated website can be found at www.stagecoachsolutions.com

Stagecoach is helping businesses, the education sector and event organisers to bounce back from Covid-19 with a range of tailored solutions through a ‘one stop shop’ approach to help employers, pupils and customers.

As the UK comes out of lockdown, public transport continues to play a vital role in the country’s recovery ahead. As well as helping to restart the economy, it is vital in bringing normality back to many areas of people’s daily lives.

Covid-19 has brought about many societal changes such as home working, more targeted travel and more flexible working. A recent survey carried out by transport and research consultancy SYSTRA suggests that 55% of UK employees would like to change the times that they work, including their start/finish times or working their hours across fewer days.

As a result, Stagecoach has created a new product (Stagecoach Solutions) through which it has developed a range of sustainable options as an alternative to its traditional bus services to help organisations and their people continue their more flexible public transport commute. This includes tailored shuttle buses, education bus services, on demand services and simple corporate travel to support the growing desire of companies to put sustainability at the heart of their business. These options will be offered in addition to its regular scheduled bus, coach and tram services.

As the UK’s biggest bus and coach operator, Stagecoach has 40 years of experience of operating public transport services, and has helped to keep people on the move throughout the pandemic. Stagecoach has recently worked with the NHS and other organisations to introduce tailored services to support employee travel, including “Stagecoach Connect”; offering three new demand responsive bus services for the NHS in the East Midlands.

When larger gatherings are permitted as part of the lockdown easing, Stagecoach will also be able to offer travel support for major events and festivals.

It has extensive experience of managing event travel and has been at the heart of every large sporting event for the last decade. This includes global events such as the London Olympics, the Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the Solheim Cup in Scotland, the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and Glasgow, the Ryder Cup and many major music festivals and other events.

A dedicated new website, www.stagecoachsolutions.com, will clearly demonstrate the full range of options available with the facility to speak to somebody about their specific needs or complete an easy web form. The relevant local team will then identify which travel solution can fit the organisation’s needs.

Neil Micklethwaite, Business Development Director for Stagecoach, said: “We have seen many changes in society during lockdown, with more home working, more targeted travel and potentially more flexible working ahead.

“We want to give companies and educational establishments a range of different ways of helping their employees, pupils and students return safely and with confidence to their work and learning place, without having to rely upon the car.

“Covid-19 has demonstrated the positive impact that tailored solutions can have, such as the launch of our Stagecoach Connect service for the NHS. The extra products we are offering will provide a range of options that enable employees, pupils and students to return to work and school safely and to help companies and educational establishments put sustainability at the heart of their business.

“As Britain’s original and most successful transport start-up, we’re well known for championing new ideas and our new range of transport solutions can support the public and private sector in getting back on its feet, and helping communities across the country recover.”

The options are designed to provide a more sustainable solution to unnecessary single use polluting car trips and the dedicated website provides:

Corporate tickets; offering businesses tailored tickets for employees who regularly use the bus to travel to work
Customised demand responsive services; on demand services available at a time and place that suits businesses and their employees
Education bus services; dedicated bus services for better control of social distancing for schools, colleges and universities
Business shuttle services; helping employees get to work safely with a dedicated eco-friendly service
Rail replacement services; ground transport solutions to help minimise rail disruption
Travel support for major events and festivals when larger gatherings are permitted under lockdown easing plans

For more information, visit www.stagecoachsolutions.com

End of the road for Lothian Buses?

Changes to the way we travel around the Capital could be introduced through the reform of Edinburgh’s transport companies, according to a report to be discussed by councillors this week.

The proposals could see Lothian Buses merged with Edinburgh Trams to form a single entity. The report claims the merger would eliminate competition between the two organisations and cut management costs.

Recommendations in the Reform of Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations report, which will be considered by Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday recognise the need to encourage the use of public transport to and around the city and region by making it as accessible and joined-up as possible.

A shift from car to sustainable public transport alternatives will help Edinburgh achieve its ambitious carbon neutral goals by 2030, managing the impact of rapid population growth and aligning with local and national sustainable travel policies.

Three options for the future operation of Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Trams and Transport for Edinburgh are explored in the report, ranging from a ‘do nothing’ scenario to the creation of a single company to deliver all functions.

Once a preferred option has been agreed upon by councillors, the plan will be consulted on through discussion with the existing companies, the other councils in the Lothians and trade unions, alongside robust legal analysis.

The report notes that Edinburgh, like other cities, will experience significant change to employment, leisure, and wider activity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and new approaches to public transport will be central to the overall adaptation and renewal process.

The recommendations aim to improve governance structures, collaboration and, importantly for the travelling public, integration across the transport network.

The report acknowledges the ongoing success of the companies in providing high quality, award-winning transport services which are greatly valued by the public and predicts a growth in transport provision across the city. It is intended to retain and capitalise on the valued Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams brands while eliminating unnecessary competition between the two, particularly as the Trams to Newhaven project progresses.

Council Leader Adam McVey said: This is about creating a sustainable, accessible and joined-up public transport system that is fit for the future. As we’ve experienced over recent months, and will continue to do so, our city, like others, is undergoing a significant period of change as a result of COVID-19, and we must adapt in response.

“We simply must change the way we move around the city if we are to meet our ambitious goals to become carbon neutral by 2030 and to create a fairer, more inclusive environment.

“We wholeheartedly appreciate the roles of both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams in providing high quality, award-winning public transport and excellent customer service, and will always do everything we can to help our companies achieve that.”

Depute Leader Cammy Day said: “For the many employees across these companies who play such an important role in delivering essential services, particularly during the current COVID outbreak, I want to reassure them that these changes will not negatively impact on their jobs.

“Rather, as we lead the charge toward a zero-carbon future, we want to increase reliance on sustainable public transport, and as bus and tram use continues to grow, we’ll need more drivers and staff to run the companies.

“However, we can’t move forward with these aspirations as it stands – we know that the current structure has led to inefficiencies. Of course this will take time and a great deal of engagement and planning, but by driving better integration, ensuring improved governance and putting the needs of the public at the centre of public transport delivery, I know we can provide a system that future generations will thank us for.”

Transport for Edinburgh Limited was formed by the Council in 2014 as parent company, with a wholly owned subsidiary Edinburgh Trams Limited and a 91% ownership of Lothian Buses Limited, where East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian are minority shareholders. This model was intended to achieve maximum integration between transport companies.

As Edinburgh continues to grow, so too does the need for seamless, reliable and environmentally friendly public transport as an attractive alternative to private car journeys, helping to reduce congestion, drive down air pollution and limit carbon emissions.

The report says that the current structure of ownership – shareholding, parent company and group of companies, all responsible for delivery of different aspects of the transport network – has led to inefficiencies and a lack of collaboration, hindering aspirations to provide joined-up travel options.

Efficient and effective public transport is a key driver of several emerging national and local policies for sustainability and mobility; in Edinburgh this includes the City Mobility Plan, City Plan, Edinburgh City Centre Transformation (ECCT) and Low Emission Zone policy development and implementation.

In order to improve upon the current model, officers have undertaken an analysis of the outcomes required from a public transport company structure and in light of these have considered three options.

These are:

Do nothing: Leaving the existing corporate structure and agreements in place but looking to strengthen existing relationships between companies and the Council to deliver change
Do minimum: Retaining existing corporate structure or parts of it but reviewing Shareholder Agreements and Memorandum and Articles of Association to promote transport priorities of the Council and improve integration
Single company model: Creating a single company to deliver an integrated transport system. Owners of the company would provide strategic direction as well as exercising shareholder power to ensure accountability

The third option, to create a single company, is being put forward as the preferred option.

The council says this will allow ‘the ongoing delivery of high-quality public transport with no negative impact on the travelling public or frontline staff’.

It is proposed that existing bus and tram services, as well as the city’s cycle hire scheme, would be maintained as separately branded divisions, while integrated back office functions would be delivered, along with potential senior management savings.

A single company would require a new shareholder agreement between the owners and the company, with the new structure to be developed in consultation with the minority shareholders. The needs of partner councils, both from a transport policy and financial perspective, must be fully addressed.

Before a final preferred option is confirmed, a further report will be brought back to Committee for decision. This will follow discussions with the public transport companies, minority shareholders and trade unions to gather views on proposals and will set out any changes required on the shareholder side.

Read the full report, Reform of Transport Arm’s Length External Organisations, on the Council website. This will be discussed by Policy and Sustainability Committee on Thursday (9 July) – you can watch the webcast of the meeting online.

New bus app for wheelchair users praised by disability charity

Disability Equality Scotland has praised national bus operator First Bus for fast-tracking technology which will enable wheelchair users in Edinburgh to track accessible spaces on their local bus services in ‘real-time’.

The mobile app update, available now, enables customers across the city to view available wheelchair spaces across its fleet. This important innovation makes bus travel easier by tracking wheelchair capacity through an icon that moves across a virtual map.

The update forms part of a fast-tracked investment in the app which has seen First become the first UK bus operator to not only allow bus passengers to live track the location of their next bus, but also show its capacity in ‘real time’.

Emma Scott, Operations Manager at Disability Equality Scotland explained why this is such a welcome improvement for wheelchair users in the area: “We welcome the fast-tracking of the app which will give wheelchair users more confidence to use public transport during these uncertain times.

“By giving wheelchair users this information in an inclusive and accessible way, it allows them to make decisions about whether to wait or find an alternative route.”

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of First Bus in Scotland said “We are really proud to have been able to fast-track our recent app updates to ensure safe, informed travel during these difficult times.

“Our buses provide an essential service for our customers and we are doing all we can to support them. The app update is aligned with our longstanding pledge to improve the bus experience for our disabled passengers.”

To find out more about what First Bus is doing to support customers during Covid-19, visit https://www.firstgroup.com/help-and-support/coronavirus-information

If customers are exempt from Government face covering guidelines, First Bus have journey assistance cards available to download from https://www.firstgroup.com/help-and-support/extra-help-travel.