Lothian Buses' evening services will resume tonight with 'increased police presence' following anti-social behaviour

Lothian Buses has announced that their services across the Capital will resume tonight with ‘increased police presence’ after all evening services were cancelled due to anti-social behaviour on Wednesday.

All services after 7.30pm on Lothian Buses, Lothian Country and East Coast Buses will operate tonight with “increased police presence on the ground”, Lothian Buses has commented.

The news comes after Lothian Buses suspended all evening services on Wednesday night following months of anti-social behaviour incidents across the Capital.

The Bus operator has announced that they are teaming up with Police Scotland to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Lothian Buses say their services are expected to resume on Thursday

Sarah Boyd, Operations Director, Lothian said: “Lothian remain committed to supporting local communities and those keyworkers that require travel during these difficult times.

"Despite a small number of antisocial incidents last night, all of our evening services will resume tonight as scheduled.

“Working in partnership with Police Scotland, we will continue to monitor services closely and will not hesitate to take any action in any area that record acts of antisocial behaviour directed towards our drivers or our vehicles.

“The support from businesses, stakeholders and our customers has been overwhelming and I would like to thank you all for your understanding and the appreciation you have shown to our drivers.

"After a difficult year, it is heartening to see the city come together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both our colleagues and our customers.”

The company adopted a zero tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour after eight buses serving the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary were targeted by vandals throwing rocks on Monday night which resulted in the removal of services on these routes.

In a statement released yesterday addressing their cancellations, Lothian Buses said: “We understand that we provide a critical service for key workers and for those whom travel is essential which makes this decision even more regrettable, and so we apologise to those who will be inconvenienced as a result.”

Lothian Buses is asking the if anyone has any information in relation to this anti-social behaviour, to contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For up to date bus service information, customers are encouraged to check www.lothianbuses.co.uk or the TfE mobile app before travelling.

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