I got an email yesterday complaining that Firstbus timetables had changed suddenly. Passengers were not given any forewarning it seems, and neither had Relbus. While there were rumours that changes were afoot, we assumed that we’d find out through the usual channels.
It turns out the usual channels means “a disgruntled passenger” complaint letter.
It seems to us that better regulation of the buses should include a wider public consultation stage, which could be added to the currently statutory consultation with the Local Authority, so that there are no surprises. And, whilst we are at it, the travelling public has a chance to put in their twopenceworth.
“Services from Dunbar changed on 27th May with a lack of warning. Many people caught out on the first day.
If you do not want to go to Edinburgh at crack of dawn ( 6.30am or 7am) the bus leaving Dunbar at 7.25 is now an X8 that goes via Tranent and Macmerry. Does not get to Princes Street until 8.53am at best!! Price has also gone up.£6
Better to get the 7.46 Perryman that depending on traffic can be in Edinburgh between 8.45 and 8.55 and only costs £3.50 a journey from Dunbar with a 10 journey ticket.
Needless so say most stops only have First Bus information which give the time of leaving the stop but not when they will get you to Edinburgh!”
Footnote:
We’ve updated the links to the rural East Lothian bus timetables, but remember that we maintain these on a ‘best efforts’ basis, so do not rely on them for business critical missions or emergencies!
