'Vital' hospital bus service is saved in U-turn after protest

Published on Saturday 31 May 2008 10:35

A BUS service to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary has been saved from the axe after 2000 residents backed a local campaign.

The Lothian Buses number 18 Sunday service was described as a "vital link" for residents in south Edinburgh who need to travel to the hospital or the Gyle shopping centre.

The U-turn by the Lib Dem/SNP administration, which had planned to withdraw the council's subsidy, means buses will run for at least another six months – at a cost of around 12,000 – while alternative ways to safeguard their long-term future are examined.

At the same time, city councillors have voted to secure the number 13 service in north Edinburgh until at least next March.

Earlier this year it was decided to stop serving Blackhall outside peak hours, which also sparked protests. The local community council said elderly people would struggle to get to the shops, library or chemist.

The future of both bus services has repeatedly been put at risk in recent years, as they are not profitable for Lothian Buses. The number 18 service was saved at this week's full council meeting, following a plea from Colinton and Fairmilehead Tory councillor Jason Rust, who helped gather 2000 signatures for a petition.

He said today: "This is a victory for common sense and great news for my constituents. The 18 bus Sunday service is a vital, socially necessary service of real importance to the people of south Edinburgh."

The Sunday service ceased last weekend but Lothian Buses will now write to the Traffic Commissioner and ask to reinstate it.

Local campaigner Irene Paterson, 66, neighbourhood watch co-ordinator for Hunter's Tryst, said: "I'm delighted that the bus company have agreed to return the service."

Campaigners also welcomed the vote on the number 13 service, which followed a motion by Inverleith Labour councillor Lesley Hinds. Lothian Buses originally said the service cost 8.20 subsidy per passenger, but passenger numbers have recently more than doubled. The new annual subsidy will be 49,130.

Blackhall Community Association chairwoman Tina Woolnough said: "Research has shown the community relies on this bus service and I hope we can build on the passenger numbers."

City transport leader Phil Wheeler said: "I agreed to reinstate the subsidy for six months. But I must stress that if patronage does not increase it is unlikely the subsidy will continue."