http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Does Lothian Buses go where we want to travel? en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:13:27 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=4#post-294174 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 15:56:44 +0000 acsimpson 294174@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The 35 survived by being the cheap option for a bus to the airport. Now that it charges a premium price it is a bit of a rip off.</p> <p>Is there not a ticket booth at the airport where you can buy before boarding? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=4#post-294132 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 10:56:26 +0000 steveo 294132@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yeah, got the 35 once just to Chesser from the airport (when it was £1.50) also appalling. Spent 30 minutes trying to get onto Calder Road. Luckily just myself with the kids I'd have gotten off. The tram is pretty good but then it runs from my house to the airport, once I've got the kids in tow I get a cab. Grudgingly. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=4#post-294131 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 10:47:36 +0000 neddie 294131@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I took the 300 back from the airport the other day and I can confirm it is an abysmal service.</p> <p>They expect you to arrive off a plane and pay £4.50 in cash (£13 for a family of 4), with no change given, nowhere to get change, no cards accepted.</p> <p>Ridiculous. I mean where do you get <em>exactly </em>£13 from when you arrive (or even £4.50)? Everything is in £20 notes.</p> <p>The bus then rattles over broken roads into every little awkward turning loop (RBS, Gyle, Edinburgh Park ...), built to prevent through traffic, but also crippling bus services. Each loop throwing you against the sides of the bus as you rotate through 90 degrees, then 360 degrees, then -90 degrees again.</p> <p>It then took forever to get anywhere near the Meadows, followed by a lengthy walk with children and now grumpy wife in tow.</p> <p>Won't make that mistake again.</p> <p>Of course, we could have taken the Tram + bus, but that would've cost £21 plus £5.20 = £26.20.</p> <p>A taxi the whole way is £22 - £24. And they wonder why St Johns Rd is the most polluted in Scotland? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-272764 Wed, 17 Jan 2018 17:56:41 +0000 Frenchy 272764@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Singles up to £1.70 from 25th February, and some other changes: <a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/lothian-buses-reveal-fare-increase-and-route-changes-1-4662918" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/lothian-buses-reveal-fare-increase-and-route-changes-1-4662918</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-268607 Mon, 04 Dec 2017 10:38:08 +0000 Stickman 268607@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There was an article I saw recently about a Spanish city which had completely changed its bus routes - was that the one? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-268604 Mon, 04 Dec 2017 10:32:20 +0000 neddie 268604@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I saw a piece, either on here, on Twitter or otherwise online, claiming that passengers are not as reluctant to change buses or make transfers as previously thought (especially if integrated ticketing allows).</p> <p>Can anyone remember where that article was posted?</p> <p>Have tried Google / Twitter search, but no avail... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263509 Sun, 15 Oct 2017 12:29:41 +0000 frippery13 263509@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>the pictures here are really nostalgic. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263503 Sun, 15 Oct 2017 11:17:05 +0000 crowriver 263503@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The flat city fare was just about compensation for the absurd journey time."</p> <p>Yes, I do recall one occasion where I had to jump into a taxi at the Gyle centre because the bus was proceeding exceedingly slowly. Nearly missed the flight!</p> <p>Having said that, we are planning to get the Skyline 300 tomorrow to the airport. Tram is just that bit too far away, taxi is ludicrously expensive these days. Just got to get up a bit earlier... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263474 Sat, 14 Oct 2017 19:36:06 +0000 Klaxon 263474@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The 35 route wasn't deserving of a flagship re-brand.</p> <p>The flat city fare was just about compensation for the absurd journey time.</p> <p>I need to leave a flat 60 minutes between my flat and the airport by tram, <em>including</em> a walk to York Pl, while the 300 is scheduled 70-90 minutes to do the same job and you just never know what fun you'll encounter in Sighthill.</p> <p>The 200 (Ocean Terminal - Granton - Airport) is by contrast 50 minutes for the full route and reasonable to charge a premium. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263462 Sat, 14 Oct 2017 17:27:53 +0000 unhurt 263462@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>That's 40p to spend in Caffe Nero.</em></p> <p>16% of a regular latte if you want to be precise. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263287 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 20:31:25 +0000 gembo 263287@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you have a bus pass, monthly or annual, then you can use these buses without paying extra is my understanding </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263274 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 19:30:46 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 263274@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was a pretty regular user of the 35 as I live on the route. Got stung for the first time the other Sunday. Next time I go, I'm walking from the park and ride (if I have time) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263262 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 15:19:55 +0000 crowriver 263262@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@cb, you'd be better off just buying an open return: £3.75 each way (£1.50 each way for sproglets). Assuming you're coming back that is... ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263256 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 14:23:40 +0000 fimm 263256@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes, we use the 35 to get to the airport a lot (it is very convenient unless we are flying very early/late or have a really large amount of stuff). So we are a bit grumpy about having to pay more for it! But I guess we will do so. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263248 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:38:36 +0000 cb 263248@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"Oh the other change is apparently "Fares to Edinburgh Airport on Skylink 300 will be brought into line with those on our other airport services ". No more slow but cheap £1.50 rides to/rom the airport on the 35 then..."</em></p> <p>Interestingly from the Lothian Buses link:</p> <p><em>"Single tickets will still be available for journeys between the Airport/Airport Hotel and Maybury - £2.50 adult, £1.50 child."</em></p> <p>This surely gives an opportunity for split ticketing.<br /> Pay £1.60 to get to Maybury then a further £2.50 to get to the Airport.<br /> Total cost £4.10 compared to £4.50 for an airport single. That's 40p to spend in Caffe Nero.</p> <p>I wonder if the bus driver would support this? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263247 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:35:09 +0000 kaputnik 263247@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes the 300 is <em>exactly</em> the same service as the 35 (apart from the paintwork) until you want to travel past Newbridge.</p> <p>It goes to the airport from Ocean Terminal, the same as the 200 does (another new Airport service), but the latter goes via Pilton and West Edinburgh. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-263245 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 13:30:19 +0000 crowriver 263245@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I couldn't fns a thread for Bus News, so here it is.</p> <p>Don't know if anyone else has noticed, but I became aware of the change to the 35 bus service nearly two weeks ago through my son who uses the route regularly.</p> <p>The 35 is now the Skylink 300. Still the same route, presumably a similar time to get to airport, but now consciously rebranded as an airport service. Nice new hybrid buses, very shiny, in a bright blue and white livery.</p> <p>Oh the other change is apparently "Fares to Edinburgh Airport on Skylink 300 will be brought into line with those on our other airport services ". No more slow but cheap £1.50 rides to/rom the airport on the 35 then...</p> <p><a href="https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/introducing-skylink-300" rel="nofollow">https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/introducing-skylink-300</a></p> <p>Also running on Easter Road (plus the temporary gyratory in Abbeyhill) are the new all electric buses for service No.1. I've seen quite a few whizz quietly past: have yet to try one but hope to soon when the opportunity presents itself.</p> <p><a href="https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/Lothian-introduce-the-first-all-electric-buses-to-Edinburgh" rel="nofollow">https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/Lothian-introduce-the-first-all-electric-buses-to-Edinburgh</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-249952 Fri, 12 May 2017 16:05:49 +0000 kaputnik 249952@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>AS predicted on this forum;</p> <p><a href="http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2017/05/lothian-buses-to-introduce-new-service-to-south-queensferry/" rel="nofollow">http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2017/05/lothian-buses-to-introduce-new-service-to-south-queensferry/</a></p> <p><em><strong>Lothian Buses to introduce new service to South Queensferry</strong></p> <p>The Edinburgh Reporter has been told that from 4 June 2017 they will be introducing a new service to South Queensferry with their new bus company called Lothian Country.</p> <p>The bus firm will be wholly owned by Lothian Buses but will operate as a standalone business with its own buses and products.<br /> </em></p> <p>So what was Lothian Country buses is now East Coast Buses (bits of the old First/SMT empire) and now what was old Midland Scottish / Bluebird / Stagecoach / Fife Scottish territory is now being nibbled at by Lothian Country.</p> <p>This is good news for all on 4 wheels or fewer. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-232135 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 16:23:48 +0000 crowriver 232135@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Pretty sure I rode on one of these as a kid in the mid-1970s. </p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/dxX5vS"><img src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8201/8237838940_9a7d48f1aa.jpg"></a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/dxX5vS">EX61. XVU 387M: Greater Manchester Transport</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tarquinius_superbus/">chucklebuster</a>, on Flickr</p> <p>Also they used wee LDV minibuses later on, if I recall. You hopped on and off, free of charge. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-232130 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 15:37:40 +0000 jonty 232130@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And I think they're right!</p> <p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/allybeag/512759695" rel="nofollow">https://www.flickr.com/photos/allybeag/512759695</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-232122 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:55:01 +0000 wingpig 232122@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>According to Eeninoo comments past, shoppers in the 1970s were able to park their car right outside places like Menzies on Princes Street whilst they nipped in for a newspaper and a packet of cigarettes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-232120 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:20:42 +0000 kaputnik 232120@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>should have read the comments, I should have; <em>a small circular route (Princes Street, Bridges, Meadows, Lothian Road) </em></p> <p>I suppose your typical 1970s shopper would manage the walk form Princes Street to George Street without demanding parking at their destination. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-232116 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 14:02:13 +0000 crowriver 232116@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There used to be a similar electric "City Hopper" service between main railway stations in Manchester in the 1970s, I seem to recall... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-232103 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:57:19 +0000 chdot 232103@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can't remember if it was G <em>and</em> P, loop was via Lauriston Place. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-232094 Tue, 27 Sep 2016 12:11:51 +0000 kaputnik 232094@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The future of buses, 1972 style. Edinburgh Corporation trialled an electric "Shoppabus" that did an inner city loop of shopping destinations. I imagine Princes St., George St., Lothian Road and the Bridges were on the route.</p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/4T9Sr7"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2327/2547942152_303d3b5397.jpg"></a><a href="https://flic.kr/p/4T9Sr7">Crompton Electricars CWO 516K 2</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgeupstairs/">George</a>, on Flickr </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-230055 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:58:27 +0000 steveo 230055@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The thing is there is no incentive for them to do so, at least on the buses. </p> <p>The cash delivers itself to the office, over payment is probably widespread especially since the fare went up to £1.60 and the day ticket structure favours them; there will be a good proportion of people who use it for only two journeys but buy just in case or people who end up buying 3+ single tickets. Financially there is no reason to implement a tap n go system. That ignores the potential growth in business from providing a better service but my experience that kind of nebulous business case is a pretty hard sell internally.</p> <p>The trams are another story, the gear is there to take contactless, the minimum spend is ridiculous when people will "switch" a mars bar and the fees for a low value transaction are tiny which would likely offset the cost of collecting hundreds of kilos of change. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-230050 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:40:57 +0000 chdot 230050@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"The irony of lusting after oyster cards after they've been nearly completely replaced"</p> <p>That's true, so maybe it will be easier for LB/SG/TS to implement(?) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-230048 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:36:31 +0000 steveo 230048@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The irony of lusting after oyster cards after they've been nearly completely replaced by individuals contactless cards (or suitably equipped smart phone) in TFL areas. I read a report that the banks expect this approach to be rolled out to the rest of the country in the next 10 years! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-230047 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:33:02 +0000 chdot 230047@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Don't think so?"</p> <p>Think they only took £1 coins for a single ticket.</p> <p>Fares went up to £1.10 and LB gave up the '9% discount' fairly soon afterwards... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16821&page=3#post-230046 Wed, 07 Sep 2016 10:28:32 +0000 kaputnik 230046@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The tramstop ticket machines don't have touch-n-go contactless payment enabled, despite the spot on the machine with the logo where there reader should be. How daft is that.</p> <p>I can't recall if the fixed machines LB installed (then removed) a few years back at busy stops gave change or took cards. Don't think so? </p>