Bus Update
We are disappointed to report that Lothian Buses have so far not agreed to meet with us to discuss the fast approaching bus route changes, but we continue to press for a meeting. Lothian buses have so far merely referred us to their website, which we think is pretty dismissive.
We have learned – and feel it is important to pass on to the local community:
- The changes will go ahead as of Sunday 11th September – i.e. the 25 and 21 will use Lochend Road, and the 34 and 49 will use Restalrig Road. The bus stops reflect this change.
- For the moment, the 34 will go from Restalrig Road to Ocean Terminal (and same route coming back from OT into town) via Links Gardens, Salamander Place, Baltic Street.
We have been told that Lothian Buses DID NOT CHECK with Trams to Newhaven that the route they wanted to use, i.e. Constitution Street and Queen Charlotte Street, would be open for traffic on 11th September. (Of course, those of us who live here always knew it was not). In our view, this reflects a shocking lack of coordination between key transport operators (and overseers) in our city.
The Salamander Place route will be used until Constitution Street is available, which Trams to Newhaven tell us may be some weeks away.
Since congestion on Baltic Street is already horrendous, and the road surface in Salamander Place is in extremely poor condition (understatement!), we fear that passengers are in for a slow and bumpy ride. We also feel that the junction at the top of Salamander Place, turning in and out of Links Gardens, is potentially problematical, even dangerous. So we would be grateful to hear from any of you (in the comments below) of any problems you experience or observe in that area, and/or photos, so that we can pass these on to Lothian Buses (in Comments, below, or send to contact@leithlinkscc.org.uk).
You can read the entire correspondence here (start from the bottom and read upwards, to get correct order) between Leith Links Community Council and Lothian Buses. All correspondence has been copied to our Leith Ward Councillors, and Craigentinny / Duddingston, and to the Convenor of the Transport and Environment Committee. No written response so far from any of them, although there were supportive comments made orally from Leith Councillors at our recent Community Council meeting.