We recently met with the new director of First Bus to discuss issues with the 38/X38 in Kirkliston.

We covered a huge amount of ground including ticket costs, reliability issues and late running of certain services, inconsistent ticket charging and driver confusion, timetable errors, frequency of evening services, issues with general driver attitude and much more.

There were two positive areas where we can expect early improvements.

BUS TRACKERS AND REAL TIME INFO
The current bus stop trackers display times according to the listed timetable and *not* real time information. This means trackers can suggest a bus is close by when it is running very late. The director has committed that 38/X38 buses will be equipped with new technology in March to ensure they properly will link up with bus stop trackers and show real time information.

CARD PAYMENTS
The director also confirmed that contactless payment machines will be installed on buses in April. Even though buses currently offer change, we know it is still frustrating for many to have to use cash. The new machines will mean credit/debit cards can be used going forward.

We have also had further updates following our meeting

PUNCTUALITY OF SERVICES

The director came back to us to say that the reliability of buses between stops was running at about 86%.  They suggested this had improved since the timetable was altered at the beginning of November.

He has asked us to highlight specific problems that arise so if you have a very late running service or if a bus simply does not turn up, let us know and we can further investigate the reasons why.

ISSUES WITH DRIVERS AND COST OF TICKETS

The direct has admitted there had been confusion among some drivers because of recent turnover of staff. They have assured us that this resource challenge has now been addressed so the knowledge of route and ticket pricing should be more consistent.  Again, please let us know if there are further problems.

USE OF DOUBLE DECKER SERVICES

We asked about this.  However, because of the low bridge in the first part of the route at Linlithgow, double decker buses cannot be used on the route.

INCREASED EVENING FREQUENCY

They are going to look at this and possible increased frequencies over the summer period.  We should get an update on this and we’ll pass on once we have it.