Funding boost secured to enhance bus service information at stops

Upgrades to information screens 

Midlothian Council has secured funding from both the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland to upgrade Real Time Passenger Information Screens at local bus stops across the county. The on-street screens will provide bus users with accurate arrival times and live service updates.   

Investing £279,300 

Upgrades to 24 Real Time Passenger Information Screens will go ahead after the council accepted an award of £178,300 from the Scottish Government’s Bus Partnership Fund. In addition, 13 new Real Time Passenger Information Screens will also be purchased following an award of £101,000 from Transport Scotland’s Community Bus Fund.  

Over 90 per cent of screens to be upgraded 

Overall, the funding will cover the upgrading of 37 units, in addition to the 4 units which have already been replaced by the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) as part of its region-wide project. This will mean over 90 per cent of Midlothian’s Real Time Passenger Screens will be replaced, leaving a remainder of 3 units to be upgraded in the future.   

Old system switching off from 31 March 2024 

The old system of bus information screens is planned to be made obsolete as early as 31 March 2024. 

Modernising local bus information systems 

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Colin Cassidy said:  “The council is delighted to accept two significant funding awards which will go a long way to modernising the local bus network for residents. 

Live and Accurate Bus Times 

“This is a major upgrade that will mean passengers can plan their travel with more confidence, being assured that the new on-street screens will provide live and accurate times for buses.  

Improving Accessibility 

“These improvements will make bus travel more accessible for Midlothian residents. We welcome this investment in our local bus stops and we look forward to the new screens being installed.” 

Concerns raised about future Scottish Government funding 

Midlothian Council also noted the freeze to the Scottish Government’s Bus Partnership Fund from 2024/25 and agreed to raise their concerns about the impact of this decision to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. 

Additional £175,000 to be invested public transport provision 

Councillors also agreed that the dividend of £175,000 from the Lothian Bus Partnership Fund will be invested in supporting communities which are experiencing gaps in public transport provision.