A group representing bus users in Scotland’s capital has urged councillors to allocate a portion of the £5m fire recovery fund to bolster “temporary bus prioritisation measures” amid transport disruption.
Trams have been unable to run in the north and east of the city for more than a month, ever since a fire in a building on Princes Street led to the closure of the western end of the thoroughfare.
In a letter addressed to elected councillors and City of Edinburgh Council officials, Edinburgh Bus Users’ Group (EBUG), wrote: “One month after the Debenham fire, Edinburgh's public transport network continues to face unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing Princes Street disruption.
“We urge you to allocate a portion of the £5,000,000 Scottish Government support toward the following measures:
“Step up temporary bus prioritisation measures at all locations where congestion is causing delayed journeys.
“Establish temporary bus stops on George Street to accommodate at least some diverted services - a key measure benefiting bus users with mobility difficulties and city centre businesses.
“Provide immediately usable information about diversions at all affected bus stops.
“Introduce a dedicated bus replacement service covering the tram route between Shandwick Place and Newhaven, should the reopening of Princes Street in both directions be delayed past the end of August.”
Speaking at the end of July, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams chief operating officer Willie Hamilton outlined the support already in place for bus users.
He said: “Ticket acceptance on Lothian Buses remains in place as an alternative method of travel for tram customers on this section of the route. For further details please visit Princes Street Update.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding efforts of colleagues across both Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams. Since this incident, teams have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to redesign services, coordinate operations across both networks, introduce ticket acceptance arrangements, provide up to date travel information and support customers throughout a complex and evolving situation.”
Read more:
- 'Not a practical solution': Transport boss kiboshes plan to move trams via lorry
- 'Painstaking' work being carried out to secure fire-hit building on Princes Street
- Debenhams may survive the fire — but at what cost for Edinburgh's Princes Street?
Deputy First Minister Jenny Gilruth announced the £5m fund on Wednesday morning, following talks between civil servants and council officials.
The government has been criticised for taking almost a month to confirm the funding, with critics pointing to their response following the Glasgow Union Street fire in March.
In that instance, £10m in funding was announced within a week of the blaze.
Edinburgh’s Labour council leader Jane Meagher told reporters she was “disappointed” with the government’s contribution, remarking: “I’m disappointed that Glasgow seems to be more highly valued in a sense than we are.
“But we are where we are. I'm grateful that we've got some money and we'll use it to serve the city of Edinburgh.”
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