Supported bus services 63

• Supported Bus Services 20, 63, and 68 Contract Start Information

Please see attached timetables outlining the initial operating details for the three West Edinburgh supported bus service contracts due to commence on Monday 31 August.
As you will be aware, these were formally awarded following the presentation of the Supported Services report to Finance and Resources Committee on 5 March 2020 but their commencement has been delayed as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic. The new provider responsible for delivering these services will be First Bus who will be taking over from Lothian Buses who formerly operated the Services 20 and 63, and Waverley Travel who operated the Service 68.

Although the initial levels of service in terms of timetabling, for the Services 20 and 63, are less than planned due to the Covid-19 operating environment, there are good enhancements over current provision in terms of route extensions ( for example, the 63 will now extend to Balerno, while the Service 20 will extend to Ingliston Park and Ride and the Chesser part of the route will be reinstated).
To stress, these are the initial service levels and we will be working closely with First Bus to monitor demand and be looking to increase provision as soon as possible to meet anticipated rises in patronage as we move through lockdown phases.

For those with concerns relating to ticketing when interchanging between different transport operators, the One-Ticket is an interoperable option for users is available online, via mobile application, or from Travel Shops. I have attached details of One-Ticket below for your general information:

https://www.one-ticket.co.uk/

Edinburgh Trams now accept One-Ticket and so passengers will be able to use this option not only for bus to bus transfer but also for bus to tram transfer. We will also be discussing possible additional options with Edinburgh Trams and operators in due course.

We hope this goes some way to ease the concerns of those who fear having to pay a higher fare due to separate ticketing requirements.

I hope this is useful information.

Regards

Alan Dean, Transport Officer, Public Transport, City of Edinburgh Council

https://www.firstgroup.com/south-east-and-central-scotland/plan-journey/timetableshttps://www.firstgroup.com/south-east-and-central-scotland/plan-journey/timetables