Lothian Buses enjoys busiest week for 25 years

LOTHIAN Buses had its busiest week for 25 years last week, carrying 2.5 million passengers thanks to the Edinburgh Festival and good weather.

Lothian Buses recorded their highest passenger numbers since 1988. Picture: Complimentary

The city’s main operator said the total was 4 per cent up on last year’s busiest week, and the highest figure since 1988.

The city council-owned firm has laid on extra services to cope with demand and season ticket holders have been given free travel on night buses.

Chief executive Ian Craig said: “Two and half million passengers in one week is a massive achievement for us and reflects the growing demand for our services as the city continues to thrive and develop.

“The weather as well as the thousands of people who have descended on Edinburgh for the Festival have all contributed to the growth in passenger numbers, but I’m most delighted with the way our fleet and people have been up to the challenge of meeting this demand.”

Edinburgh City Council transport convener Lesley Hinds, said: “Lothian Buses are a true Edinburgh success story and regularly receive awards in recognition of that, but the best measure of success is passenger numbers.

“These latest figures are a fantastic endorsement from their customers who are using the bus more and more.”