Night Bus Relaunch

There can be no argument that 2010 has been a considerable year for Lothian Buses with five nominations at the prestigious UK Bus Awards and a £12 million order confirmed to extend the fleet by a further 60 new buses over the next 2 years. All this and now to illustrate the Company’s commitment to providing a first class service for Edinburgh and Lothian residents Lothian Buses announces upgrades to the Night Bus service.

Managing Director, Ian Craig explains the changes:

“While most people associate the Night Buses with revellers making their way home after a night on the tiles it is also a safe, reliable, inexpensive way for the city’s workforce who work at night to get to and from work .It is important to offer a comprehensive network accessible at all times of the day and night to the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians and by constantly evaluating the services we provide and the ever-changing populous we can do just that.”

While many other towns and cities the length and breadth of the UK are seeing cuts made to their night bus services Edinburgh is one of the very few to see its network expand. Residents in the north of the City will now have access to a brand new night route, the N11 which will operate between Haymarket, Leith Street, Leith Walk, Pilrig Street, Newhaven & Western Harbour. Meanwhile the N16 is being reintroduced on weekday nights to complement the exceedingly popular weekend N16 service.

Ian Craig continues:

“The areas to receive the new routes are now more densely populated than ever before and the need for an extended service after midnight was becoming all the more apparent. Edinburgh is one of Europe’s safest major cities to live and work in and we feel a strong Night Buses network helps to keep it that way.”

Minister for Transport, Stewart Stevenson said:


Picture courtesy of Lothian Buses


"The Scottish Government has some of the most ambitious climate change targets in the world and if we are to meet them we must encourage people to get out of their cars and onto public transport.

"The expansion of Lothian Buses Night Bus network is a very good example of a bus operator responding to the demands of passengers and offers people enhanced opportunities to use buses."

A police spokesperson said:

"Lothian and Borders Police is committed to making sure that those who live, work, and visit the Capital do so safely and using Night Buses is a good way to do this.

"Edinburgh is a safe city, and we will continue to work in partnership with Lothian Buses and other partners to ensure that visitors and residents alike enjoy the safe and welcoming Edinburgh experience."

To support the changes Lothian Buses will also launch NIGHTBUSES.com - a dedicated website offering night bus users access to timetable and fare information. The website is accompanied by a new advertising campaign to be featured on the buses and online.