Fauldhouse Community Council have voiced their frustration with Lothian Country Buses after the transportation firm cancelled the 281 Lothian Country service in Fauldhouse last November.
Members of the community council claim there was no consultation with locals before cancelling the service that left from Fauldhouse to Livingston via Bathgate - and that no one was notified about cancelling the route.
The suspension of the bus route was announced on Lothian buses website on November 5 - stating little more than ‘service suspended’ and that the change would take effect from November 14.
Many locals were unaware of the service cancellation of the 281 as the timetable is still plastered on bus stops around the West Lothian town - despite being cancelled five months ago.
Concerned locals say they have tried on several occasions to get an explanation from Lothian buses, but have had no response.
At a recent community council meeting in Fauldhouse, members say they were informed by a councillor that the 281 service had been cancelled as there is an alternative with First Bus 26 route.
Lothian Country’s 281 service travelled from Fauldhouse to Livingston via Bathgate, whereas First Bus’ 26 service travels from Bathgate to Livingston North via Bathgate - locals state that this is not an adequate replacement.
Community council member John Strang also noted that Blackridge had received an extra bus route from Lothian Country with a population of around 2000, and that Fauldhouse now has no coverage from Lothian Buses with a population of nearly 5000.
John Strang said: ”They suspended the service late last year and didn’t notify anyone about it - not everyone’s got a computer or social media to check these things, and the timetables are still up in the bus shelters!
“A few members of the community council sent emails to Lothian Buses, but we’ve had no response - not even an acknowledgement.
“We had to get in touch with the council to even find out that the service had been suspended in the first place, and the 46 isn’t a great replacement.’
“It just feels like everyone treats Fauldhouse like it’s at the end of the world - which is frustrating when you see every bus in the country seemingly going through places like Broxburn.”
A Lothian Country spokesperson said: “Lothian Country is a commercial business which is committed to delivering for all of our customers in what continues to be an exceptionally challenging operational climate.
“Service 281 was suspended in late 2021 and at present there are no plans to reinstate this service due to a lack of customer demand.”
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