Tag: public transport

First Bus launches educational pack to help Edinburgh kids carry on learning

Scotland’s biggest bus operator has created and launched a new online educational resource to support the home-schooling efforts of parents and teachers in Edinburgh during the Coronavirus lockdown.

Local bus operator First Scotland East has teamed up with teachers from across the country to develop a resource pack for schools, with the aim of providing primary aged children with a fun filled set of activities focused around buses.

With the Coronavirus outbreak delivering a trying time for thousands of people, the team at First Scotland East wanted to give something back and support the communities they proudly serve every day with their local bus services across Edinburgh.

The pack, which is based on the curriculum for excellence criteria, aims to educate kids on the benefits of using public transport, through a series of engaging, educational tasks.

Each page has been created specifically around the core educational framework of the curriculum for excellence; literacy, numeracy, creativity and problem solving.  Each activity is coded to enable teachers to track and monitor how children are getting on with each sheet.

Designed to suit the abilities of children from P1 right through to P7, the pack contains a series of activities to appeal to each age and stage, as well as tapping into children’s love of all things bus.

From creating posters on the environmental benefits of using the bus, to writing about a favourite bus journey, a word search, a ‘build a bus’ challenge, an acrostic poem and the opportunity to design a bus, the pack has been created with fun as well as education at front of mind.

Andrew Jarvis, Managing Director of First Bus in Scotland, (above) said: “With much of the UK effectively ordered to stay at home for at least the next few weeks, we wanted to support the thousands of schools, teachers and families who are home-schooling and keeping children entertained during this unprecedented time.

“Just a few weeks ago, it was almost inconceivable that these restrictions would be in place, which only underlines what a challenging, dynamic and rapidly evolving situation the UK faces and one which First Bus is monitoring and responding to day-by-day, hour-by-hour.

“Rest assured everything is being done to keep key workers mobile as the nation comes together to limit the spread of coronavirus. I hope our activity packs will provide another means of helping to keep younger children occupied and is just a small gesture from everyone at First Scotland East to bring some light relief to families during this difficult period.”

The educational pack is available to download for free, from the website link: www.firstscotlandeast.com/kidspack

They have already been well received by a number of teachers, parents, children and schools around the country.

In the near future, the packs will be available to download from all First Bus UK regional websites.

Bus Passes: public transport information

Due to COVID-19 and the current travel restrictions in place, Transport Scotland’s card production bureau who produce the National Entitlement Cards (bus passes) closed on Friday 27 March until further notice.

This means that no new or replacement cards will be issued from this date and until the production bureau reopens.

The UK and Scottish Government advice is for people to stay at home and not travel unnecessarily, however we understand that some people may have essential travel requirements and have therefore made temporary provisions with the bus industry, where someone has an essential need to travel but has been unable to obtain a card due to this closure, that they explain their circumstances and the driver will allow them to travel.

If you have a valid card which does not register on the ticket machine, during this time you should not exchange your card with the driver for a 7 day temporary pass, as you will be unable to obtain a replacement card within those 7 days. The driver will allow you to travel whilst retaining your card.

If your card has recently expired and you have been unable to get a replacement, please show your expired card to the driver. The driver will let you travel.

If you have lost your card please explain to the driver that you have been unable to obtain a replacement card due to the closure of local authority offices and the card production bureau. The driver should allow you to travel.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause however we appreciate your understanding and co-operation during this challenging time.

If you have any questions or concerns these can be addressed by emailing us at concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot

Stagecoach praises ‘heroes behind the wheel’

  • Stagecoach details additional steps being taken to support key workers, local communities and supply chain
  • Public transport continues to play a vital role in the country’s efforts to beat COVID-19
  • Measures include dedicated shuttle buses for NHS workers in some areas, support for communities and additional capacity to distribution centres
  • Timetable improvements have also been made following key worker feedback

Stagecoach has publicly thanked its employees right across the country for the fantastic work they are doing in keeping key workers moving as part of the national effort at this difficult time.

Public transport, especially the bus, has become even more important to the country to ensure that vital public services continue in the face of COVID-19.

The country’s biggest bus and coach operator also outlined additional steps being taken to provide extra support for key sector workers. This includes dedicated shuttles and demand responsive transport for healthcare workers as well as measures to support local communities, the supply chain and distribution networks.

Helping the country’s valuable NHS workers

In London, Stagecoach is working with Transport for London to run specific and dedicated shuttles for NHS staff working at the new 4,000 bed Nightingale emergency Hospital.

A dedicated shuttle bus service is being provided for NHS staff at Hull Royal Infirmary, Kings Mill Hospital in Mansfield and the Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby. The shuttle is only accessible for key workers, ensuring they have quick and easy journeys home after their shifts.

In Aberdeen and the surrounding area, the NHS megarider ticket continues to offer discounts to NHS workers.

In the Scottish Highlands, free travel is available for NHS staff in the Inverness area going to or from Raigmore Hospital and New Craigs between 7-10pm through a dial-a-bus service that can be booked up to the day before.

In Glasgow, Stagecoach is working with bus operator McGill’s to increase travel options for key workers with four buses an hour between Glasgow and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and shared ticketing.

In South Wales, Stagecoach is offering free travel to NHS workers as part of the bus support package from the Welsh Government, and is serving eight hospitals in the region. Local authorities in other some parts of the UK are also introducing free travel for NHS workers.

In the South West, as a result of a partnership with the hospital trust, NHS workers are being offered free travel to the Royal Devon Hospital.

In the west of England, NHS staff at Southmead Hospital in North Bristol and NHS staff in Gloucestershire can access discounted fares.

In partnership with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Stagecoach has provided an extension to the 14/14A service between Oxford and John Radcliffe Hospital to provide access for hospital staff to a temporary parking facility.

Providing extra support for healthcare organisations

In Hartlepool, the Tees Flex dmand responsive buses are being kept on standby to help with patient transport services.

In London, Stagecoach’s West Ham Garage is being used by the London Ambulance Service to commission new ambulances and also re-commission old ambulances with the support of the AA.

Supporting local communities

In Inverness, bus drivers are helping Highland Council with deliveries to remote rural communities.

In Aberdeen, a new shopper shuttle service has been introduced between the Countesswells housing development and local supermarkets.

In Merseyside, Stagecoach and Arriva are accepting Merseyrail train tickets on buses at times when the rail network is not running.

Extra support for the supply chain

Capacity on buses to the Europarc food production site in Grimsby has been doubled and all services are now running as double deckers to help with social distancing. This service has also been duplicated between Cleethorpes Pier and Grimsby Town.

Double the number of services are now running to Moy Park in Lincolnshire, one of Europe’s leading poultry producers, to help with social distancing.

To help keep the supply chain moving, additional capacity is being provided to Amazon distribution sites in Fife, Northampton and North Bristol.

In Manchester, extra services are being provided to service local business parks and the major Amazon distribution centre.

In the Midlands, extra services are being provided for the distribution centres at the Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal near Rugby, and the distribution centres at Swan Valley in Northampton.

Encouraging feedback to enable timetables to be improved for key workers

Across the country, Stagecoach has been revising its timetables to cater for the reduced demand in travel following the government’s advice to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel.

The timetables have been developed to continue supporting key workers on their journeys to and from work, but Stagecoach has also encouraged feedback from its customers on specific changes they would like to see.

As a result:

In West Scotland, extra journeys have been added between Cumnock and Ayr Hospital and between Cumnock and Kilmarnock to help cater for key worker shifts.

In Aberdeen, temporary timetables have been enhanced to cater for morning shifts at hospitals as well as offshore workers connecting to the heliport.

In addition, discussions are ongoing with local authorities across the country on how Stagecoach buses not being used in public service might be able to provide extra support with food deliveries and other essential public services.

Martin Griffiths, Stagecoach Chief Executive, said: “Key workers across Britain are working incredibly hard as part of the national effort to beat the coronavirus. I’m extremely proud of all the great work that our own teams are doing to keep the country moving, including getting our vital healthcare workers to hospitals.

“Our own heroes behind the wheel and their colleagues in support roles are really putting their country and their local communities first. We know from the feedback we’ve received from many customers across the country how much their selfless efforts are appreciated and we are doing everything we can to keep our people and our customers safe.

“We are also trying to play our part through special initiatives in partnership with local authorities and the NHS to support key workers, the supply chain, distribution networks and other vital services.

“It’s important that we all follow the government and public health advice to tackle the epidemic and pull together to support each other at this time.”

Stagecoach is strictly following government and public health guidelines, including those from the World Health Organisation, to keep its employees and customers safe.

A number of extra measures have been put in place including:

  • Asking passengers to pay by contactless wherever possible, or have the correct change for their journey if they can. Alternatively payments can be made online or via the App.
  • Supplied thousands of bottles of personal hand sanitiser to employees with larger refill bottles at depots.
  • Ensured that nearly all buses are fitted with security screens which have been adapted to provide a barrier to help prevent transmission of the virus.
  • Launched an enhanced cleaning regime of buses and workplaces, which is being strictly adhered to and includes extensive cleaning of the key touch-points such as the ticket machines, hand poles, and cash tray.
  • Carried out extensive customer communications asking people only to travel if necessary, and to practice social distancing by using a single row per person if possible, avoiding the two rows directly behind the driver and keeping a safe distance between the driver and other passengers.

For more information about Stagecoach or to check the latest timetables visit https://www.stagecoachbus.com/coronavirus

Lothian: Bus service changes from tomorrow

Lothian Buses will introduce an update to its critical services network from tomorrow (Sunday 12 April) to help keep key workers across Edinburgh and the Lothians moving during this time.

Since the introduction of the Critical Services Network on Sunday 29 March, teams across Lothian have continued to analyse customer travel patterns and customer feedback to ensure the business is meeting the needs of as many key workers and essential travellers as possible.

Nigel Serafini, Interim Managing Director at Lothian Buses, said: “Over the last few weeks, we have seen how important our services are for those who are required to travel during this unprecedented time.

“When we introduced our Critical Services Network under two weeks ago, we asked employers to feedback any concerns from their employees and I am proud that today we can announce the introduction of network changes which will address the majority of these issues and make essential travel easier for those who themselves are working in extremely difficult circumstances.

“Our teams across the business have continued to show their loyalty, dedication and support to their customers and colleagues, working around the clock to provide these vital services. My thanks go to each and every one of them both on the frontline and behind the scenes, and also to our customers who have been incredibly supportive and understanding during this time.”

Customers can view updated timetables and plan journeys on Lothian’s website or through the Transport for Edinburgh app which offers journey planning tools and real-time service updates.

The network changes include:

Service 1 – Seafield to Clermiston: Minor timetable changes, particularly in the early morning.

Service 2 – NEW The Jewel to Surgeons’ Hall: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links from Prestonfield, Craigmillar and Niddrie to Asda at The Jewel.

Service 3 – Clovenstone to Mayfield: Minor timetable changes with a later evening journey from Mayfield to the City Centre.

Service 4 – NEW City Centre to The Jewel: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links from the City Centre and Bingham to Asda at The Jewel.

Service 5 – Hunter’s Tryst to The Jewel: Revised timetable with later evening journeys introduced.

Service 7 – Newhaven to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 8 – Muirhouse to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 11 – Ocean Terminal to Hyvots Bank: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 14 – Muirhouse to Greendykes: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 16 – Silverknowes to Torphin: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 19 – NEW Granton to City Centre: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links from Granton and Pilton to the Western General and the West End.

Service 20 – Ratho to Hermiston Gait: The Sunday service will be withdrawn.  No Change to Monday to Saturday timetable.

Service 21 – Clovenstone or Gyle Centre to Royal Infirmary: On Mondays to Saturdays the daytime frequency is doubled to every 30-minutes, with one bus per hour operating to Gyle Centre and one bus to Westside Plaza.  Early morning journeys on all days of the week will now start from Broomhouse Road to improve links to the Western General, Leith and the Royal Infirmary. 

Service 22 – Ocean Terminal to Gyle Centre: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 24 – West Granton to Royal Infirmary: No change

Service 25 – Restalrig to Riccarton: Minor timetable changes

Service 26 – Clerwood to either Tranent or Seton Sands: Minor timetable changes

Service 27 – Silverknowes to Hunter’s Tryst: Revised timetable on all days of the week.

Service 29 – Silverknowes to Gorebridge: No change

Service 30 – Clovenstone to Musselburgh: Revised timetable with daytime frequency to and from Musselburgh increased to every 30-minutes.  On Mondays to Saturdays a later evening journey is introduced from Clovenstone to Musselburgh. 

Service 31 – East Craigs to Bonnyrigg Hopefield or Polton Mill: Revised timetable.  On Sundays, the frequency will be reduced to every 60-minutes, with buses operating between East Craigs and Hopefield only; Polton Mill will not be served (Service 49 will continue to provide links to the City Centre).

Service 33 – Wester Hailes to Sheriffhall: Minor timetable changes on all days of the week.

Service 34 – Ocean Terminal to Riccarton: Revised route and timetable with buses now serving Heriot Watt Research Park.

Service 35 – NEW Ocean Terminal to Sighthill: This service will run on an hourly frequency on Mondays to Saturdays to provide links to Holyrood, Chalmers Hospital and the Eye Pavilion at Lauriston Place.

Service 37 – Silverknowes to Penicuik (Deanburn or Ladywood): Revised timetable with early morning journeys re-timed to better connect with Service 7 at Kaimes Crossroads for customers travelling to the Royal Infirmary.  On Mondays to Saturdays an additional journey will run from Ladywood to Silverknowes.  On all days of the week, there will be a later evening journey from the City to Penicuik.

Service 38 – West Granton to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable with early morning journeys re-timed, and an additional journey introduced at the busiest time between West Granton and the Royal Infirmary.

Service 41 – Cramond to Surgeons’ Hall or St. Andrew Square: This service will now operate on an hourly frequency between Cramond and Surgeon’s Hall on Mondays to Saturdays or Cramond and St. Andrew Square on Sundays.  The section of route to Marchmont and the Grange will be withdrawn; Service 24 will continue to serve these areas.

Service 44 – Balerno to St Andrew Square: Revised route and timetable introduced.  The City Centre terminus will be changed from Leith Street to St. Andrew Square (North-side).  The Sunday frequency is reduced to hourly.

Service 48 – Gorebridge to Royal Infirmary:  No Change

Service 49 – The Jewel to Rosewell: Revised timetable with additional morning journeys introduced on Mondays to Saturdays.  The daytime journeys between The Jewel and the Royal Infirmary will be extended to and from Sheriffhall Park & Ride, providing Danderhall and Fernieside with more buses to and from the City Centre/Leith.

Service 63 – Gyle Centre to Queensferry: The last evening journey from Queensferry to Gyle Centre is withdrawn on Mondays to Saturdays.  The Sunday service will be withdrawn.

Service 100 – Waverley to Edinburgh Airport: The timetable will be curtailed with the first journey from the City Centre at 04:00 and the last bus from the City Centre at 18:00.  From the Airport, first and last journeys will be 04:30 & 18:30.  The frequency will be maintained at every 30-minutes.

Service 400 – Gyle Centre to Royal Infirmary: Revised timetable – early morning journeys will have revised arrival times at the Royal Infirmary.  On Sunday evenings, the 22:45 journey from the Royal Infirmary will no longer operate.

National Express: Full suspension of Services from Midnight 5 April

National Express will fully suspend its national network of scheduled coach services with effect from midnight Sunday 5 April.

Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach said: “We kept a limited coach network running to be able to help those individuals with essential travel needs but it is no longer viable to continue to do this.

“Passenger numbers continue to fall as the public rightly follow government advice to avoid non-essential travel. The decision to temporarily suspend all services is the right one based on the current unprecedented circumstances and I hope our passengers understand this.

“It is very clear that the critical thing we must do to protect our NHS and save lives is to stay at home. All journeys before Monday 6 April will be completed and we will ensure customers are not stranded but until further notice, we will not be running any services.”

Passengers who had travel booked can choose to hold the ticket and amend for future travel within the next 12 months, free of charge, regardless of the terms and conditions. Customers do not need to make contact until they wish to rebook.

For passengers who do not want this option, a full refund will be issued for cancelled services in line with terms and conditions.

Full details are available on the National Express website www.nationalexpress.com.

Chris Hardy added: “Our drivers, customer service teams, customer contact centre and the wider National Express team have been working incredibly hard to keep our services running safely and we thank them for their efforts.

“We are speaking to them about what this means and will continue to do all we can to support everyone who works in our business at this challenging time.

“We know this is a worrying time. We take the welfare of our customers and employees extremely seriously and will continue to take guidance from the Government to ensure we do everything we sensibly can to keep them safe.

“Regular updates will be provided through our website, social media channels and email alerts.

“When the time is right, we look forward to resuming services and welcoming customers back on board.”

Lothian to introduce Critical Service timetable tomorrow

Lothian are introducing a Critical Service timetable from Sunday 29 March.

This will allow us to provide bus services for key workers throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

A copy of the Critical Service timetable is available for Lothian, Lothian Country and EastCoastBuses. Plan your journey on our website or the Transport for Edinburgh app to make sure you get the latest travel information.

COVID-Service-Provision

 

Lothian: Reduced bus services from Sunday

Lothian will be reducing services from tomorrow (Sunday 22 March).

On Sunday 22 March, Airlink 100 services will be reduced to a 30-minute timetable during the day. There will be no nighttime Airlink 100 services. For a full timetable click here.

On Monday 23 March, Lothian bus services will be operating at a reduced service. We have updated our online timetables with these changes, so go to the Timetables section, choose your service and the day you’re looking to travel and you’ll get the correct departure times.

We have also updated our real-time bus departure system with the new timetables. From Sunday, live bus times will show on the Transport for Edinburgh app and this website which match the new timetables.

If you’re unsure how these changes will affect your journey, remember you can plan your journey using the Transport for Edinburgh app or this website. These will always have the most up-to-date schedules and service alerts, and we will be monitoring these each day to make sure you get accurate information quickly.

You should note that some other journey planners like Google Maps and Apple Maps may not show accurate journey times from Sunday. These systems will be updated as soon as possible, but please bear in mind that these systems are out of our control. In the meantime, the TFE app and the Lothian website remain the most up-to-date source for travel information.

Plan your journey

Check our timetables

Download the Transport for Edinburgh app

Nigel Serafini, Commercial Director at Lothian, said: “These are extraordinary circumstances we are operating in and teams from across our business are working tirelessly to put plans in place as to how best to deal with this fast-changing situation.

“While the priority of maintaining services is of paramount importance, as the situation develops, we now need to factor in the impact on staffing levels being experienced.

“By introducing a reduced service from Monday, we are aiming to ensure we can continue to provide vital links across the city for those who rely on our services. We would encourage customers to plan their journeys in advance using our mobile app or website and follow our social media channels for updates.”

The Lothian app offers journey planning tools and real-time service updates. Following a recent upgrade, it is also now available in 11 languages. It can be downloaded from tfeapp.com.

Lothian to cut back bus services

Lothian has announced its intention to introduce a reduction in services across Edinburgh and the Lothians, subject to approval from the Traffic Commissioner, due to the ongoing Covid-19 situation. 

These service reductions would take effect from Monday 23rd March.  Lothian will continue to operate vital links and will keep customers up to date with the latest information as it becomes available, with a detailed update on service levels for next week issued later today. 

Nigel Serafini, Commercial Director at Lothian, said: “These are extraordinary circumstances we are operating in and teams from across our business are working tirelessly to put plans in place as to how best to deal with this fast-changing situation.

“While the priority of maintaining services is of paramount importance, as the situation develops, we now need to factor in the impact on staffing levels being experienced.

“By introducing a reduced service from Monday, we are aiming to ensure we can continue to provide vital links across the city for those who rely on our services. We would encourage customers to plan their journeys in advance using our mobile app or website and follow our social media channels for updates.”

“The Lothian app offers journey planning tools and real-time service updates, all integrated with Google Maps. Following a recent upgrade, it is also now available in 11 languages.”

It can be downloaded from tfeapp.com.

Reduced rail timetable from Monday

UK Government has worked with rail operators to agree a reduction in rail service levels to help tackle the spread of COVID-19.

  • government and rail operators across the UK agree reductions in service levels following reduced passenger demand as people change their travel patterns to help tackle spread of COVID-19
  • move will keep core services running to ensure those who need to get to work, including emergency services and NHS can continue to do so
  • joint decision also enables important freight services to continue, ensuring sector can support movement of goods and supplies while passenger services continue for those most at need

The government and the UK rail industry have agreed a plan that will see a gradual reduction in train services across the country to reflect lower passenger demand, while keeping vital rail services running.

Operators will continue to run core services ensuring people remain able to get to work, can travel to access medical appointments and the flow of goods continues across the UK.

The move reflects a decrease in passenger demand as people stop all unnecessary travel and decrease non-essential social contact in line with government advice to help stop the spread of the virus. Running reduced services will also help protect the welfare of frontline railway staff essential for day-to-day operations.

Rail services will be reduced from Monday 23rd March and kept under review, with operators providing clear communications to ensure passengers who need to travel are well-informed of the changes.

There will be a gradual move towards introducing reduced service levels on wide parts of the network over the longer term. To minimise disruption, services will be reduced progressively across the network over the coming days.

The plan will also ensure key freight services can continue to move around the country, allowing vital goods to continue to be shipped where needed.

Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps, said: “We are taking decisive action to protect the public which means reducing travel for the time being, whilst still ensuring keyworker heroes can get to their jobs to keep this nation running.

“For passengers in crucial roles, including essential workers in our emergency services and NHS, alongside people who need to attend medical appointments or care for loved ones, these changes protect the services they rely on.

“Our railways are at the heart of this country’s transport links, and we continue to work closely with the industry to develop measures that protects operators in these challenging times.”

Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions at the Rail Delivery Group, which represents train operators and Network Rail, said: “At a time of extraordinary national challenge, the measures rail companies are putting in place with government will preserve services so that we can continue to get key workers to where they need to be, deliver food to supermarkets and get fuel to power stations.

“This is not a decision we take lightly. However, implementing these measures now will mean that we can continue to operate trains over a prolonged period with fewer railway workers, who like so many others are to be commended for putting the needs of the country first, and whose safety remains front of mind.

“We are monitoring demand closely and should it become necessary in the weeks ahead, we will adjust services and timetables to ensure they’re being delivered to best effect where they’re needed most, in accordance with our plan. We would advise anybody who has to travel to check the time of their train on the National Rail Enquiries website before they set out.”

The government has been working together with the operators, freight groups and trade unions to ensure there is a collective focus during this crucial time and to ensure all areas of the industry and its people have the support needed.

Similar measures have been agreed by the Scottish and Welsh governments to ensure this package is implemented across operators in Scotland and Wales. Transport for London has already announced a similar reduction in usual services.

Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Following discussions with rail industry partners, passenger services will see a reduction as we continue to tackle the coronavirus.

“We know that rail provides an important service in moving passengers and goods around the country. However, we will reach a point where travel is reduced to essential journeys only.

“Moving to a reduced timetable will not only help ensure some passenger services continue to run, it will enable freight to be prioritised so goods and emergency supplies such as medicines can be moved around the country.

“Constructive dialogue has been held with rail unions with discussion focused on protecting rail staff while they make a significant contribution to keeping passengers and goods moving as much as possible in these challenging circumstances.”

 

Buses: A message from Lothian

I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on how the current COVID-19 situation is affecting Lothian.

We appreciate these are extraordinary circumstances we are operating in and we are putting plans in place as to how best to deal with a fast-changing situation. While the priority of maintaining services is of paramount importance, as the situation develops, we need to factor in the impact on staffing levels now being experienced.

Lothian has been part of the fabric of Edinburgh providing vital transport links for over 100 years and I would like to pay tribute to staff from across our business, who go above and beyond every day to deliver a service to the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

We are determined to carry out our duty of public service to our customers.

However, as you will all appreciate we are currently living through unprecedented times, and we would ask you all to bear with us and check our website and social media platforms for the latest service information.

Some reduction in service provision is inevitable however we are working with the Scottish Government, local authorities and stakeholders to keep the majority of our services running.

Any decisions we take will be made with the best interests of all of our staff and our customers at heart, prioritising critical links to hospitals where possible.

Meantime we encourage all of our customers to follow the guidelines set out by the Scottish Government and the NHS. We all have a role to play, and I would like to thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation at this time.

Finally, on behalf of the Lothian group, I want to thank our emergency services, in particular those working in the NHS for their incredible effort under extreme pressure in such testing times.

We would encourage all of our customers to plan their travel by checking for the latest service information which will be available on our mobile app, website and social media channels.

Thank You.

Nigel Serafini

Interim Managing Director, Lothian