Withdrawal of First bus services could leave a serious gap
Responding to the news that bus company First Scotland is to close its Musselburgh and North Berwick depots with the loss of up to 88 jobs and the ending of its bus services in the county, Alison Johnstone, Scottish Green MSP for Lothian, said:
"The potential loss of these jobs is terrible news for the individuals and families concerned and for the wider East Lothian economy. Public transport needs radically improved in East Lothian with many local people dependent on buses and often overcrowded trains for work, healthcare and social journeys.
"Today's announcement shows the danger of leaving such a vital public service in the hands of private firms. The withdrawal of First bus services could leave a serious gap, and I would urge East Lothian Council and Lothian Buses to look at ways to provide those services."