MP to step up pressure for better transport links from west Edinburgh to city centre

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has vowed to step up pressure for better transport links between the outer parts of her constituency and the city centre amid residents’ frustration about the lack of direct bus services and higher costs.

People in Queensferry, Dalmeny, Ratho Station and Kirkliston have complained to her that it can cost them nearly twice as much to get into the centre of Edinburgh as it costs people living in parts of East Lothian and Midlothian.

The Number 20 bus from Ratho – which First Bus took over from Lothian Buses in the summer – only goes as far as Hermiston Gait, which means having to switch to an express bus or the tram to reach the city centre. First says it has introduced improvements on the service.

Ms Jardine launched a petition in October calling on the city council and First to consult Ratho residents on a bus timetable and service that suits the community's needs.

Now she says the issue is a top priority.

She said: “The high prices and indirect routes cannot continue. These are lifeline routes from more rural Edinburgh into the city and need to be accessible if we are to reduce car usage and achieve our target of reaching net-zero by 2045.

“The council decided the Ratho service was uneconomical, but the new service is still not meeting residents’ needs. Why did they not consult with residents ahead of making substantial changes?

“At a time when the area is crying out for a properly joined-up, affordable transport system this shows the SNP-run council has failed people. I plan to make my constituents’ needs impossible to ignore.”

The No 20 route is now operated by First Bus

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