Rival bus operator dramatically steps in to offer lifeline after McGill's quits West Lothian

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Lothian Country has dramatically stepped in to take over bus routes axed by McGill’s - offering a lifeline to passengers who said they would be stranded by the cuts.Lothian Country today announced its intention to register two new routes and extend another in West Lothian from Sunday, December 3.McGill’s buses had announced last month that it would withdraw completely from that date, leading to an outcry from the public and politicians alike.Lothian has now come to the rescue of most areas left cut-off due to the changes.An extended Service 72 will operate between Kirkliston, Winchburgh, Broxburn, Uphall, Uphall Station, Pumpherston, St John’s Hospital, Livingston Centre, Eliburn, Blackburn, Whitburn, Fauldhouse.

This service will run hourly, between 7am and 9pm, seven-days-a week.A new Service 73 will operate between Livingston Centre and Blackburn via St John’s Hospital, Livingston North, Deans South, Boghall, Bathgate and Wester Inch.

This service will run hourly, Monday to Saturday between 7am and 8pm.And a new Service 74 will operate between Livingston Centre and Fauldhouse via Dedridge, Polbeth, West Calder, Loganlea, Addiewell, Stoneyburn and Bents.

This service will run hourly, Monday-Saturday between 7am and 8pm and Sunday between 9am and 7pm.Sarah Boyd, Lothian Managing Director said: “Operating safe, reliable services is the backbone of our business and our teams have worked extremely hard to stabilise our existing operation to be able to confidently provide a robust and reliable service for customers.“It is no secret that the last three years have been extremely challenging for our industry and as a commercial operator, with only 0.4% of our revenue coming from subsidised services, it is vital that any new