Councillors ask for urgent talks with Lothian Buses
Councillors approved an emergency motion asking for an urgent meeting with Lothian Buses to discuss service changes, including changes to the 48 and 49 service.
Major impact
The changes, due to be implemented from Sunday 28 May, will “have a major effect on the corridor from Rosewell through Bonnyrigg and beyond”, the motion states.
Better alternatives
At the full Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors agreed to ask Lothian Buses to delay the service changes until after the meeting, which is also “an opportunity to put forward alternatives that will better serve our communities”.
No prior discussion
Cllr Russell Imrie, who proposed the motion, said: “These proposed changes were made without any prior knowledge whatsoever to councillors, passengers or the general public. We need to meet with Lothian Buses as a matter of urgency.”
Very concerning
The motion was seconded by Council Leader Councillor Kelly Parry. The Council Leader said: “These proposals are a ludicrous example of a desktop exercise that has gone wrong. Lothian Buses have not consulted with local people, nor have they consulted with elected members. I’ve had 67 emails from local people very concerned about these changes. All of them have solutions that benefit our communities. I’m urging Lothian Buses to listen to their customers and to meet with us as a council for the benefit of bus users in Midlothian who rely heavily on these services.”