A community bus service introduced at the height of the second lockdown has been so successful it is set to be extended for another year.
The service in Broxburn and Uphall will also add more journeys, and operate on Saturdays.
Nicola Gill, interim public transport manager, told a meeting of the Development and Transport PDSP that passenger numbers had grown steadily throughout the year and the bus was providing a lifeline service for older people accessing shops and medical facilities in the town.
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From 354 tickets sold in the first month- April last year- figures for February this year showed 855 tickets sold. The service has regularly topped the 800 passenger mark since August.
In her report Ms Gill added: “As expected, the largest demographic group using the service is the over 60’s concessionary card holders accounting for 82% of all journeys made. Fare paying adults account for 16% of journeys and both children and temporary tickets accounting for 1% each.
“Although nationally bus patronage has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, a stable patronage can be seen on the community bus service from the last 6 months of operation. It would therefore not be unreasonable to expect a further increase in patronage should the service continue into 2022-23.”
Some local bus services struggled through lack of demand during lockdowns , and services were also hit by driver shortage disrupting timetables.
The service has been provided by HcL . The report added that following customer surveys it could be added to as passenger numbers grew post lockdown.
The report said: “The cost of the service for operation over the financial year 2022-23 is £66,588. This cost is inclusive of the timetable amendments to increase the frequency of the service to hourly and for Saturday operation to replicate the level of service provided on other town services subsidised by the council.”
Councillor Chris Horne said: "It looks as if it has been a successful pilot through not ideal times. What do you think the impact will be as we get to more normal times?.”
Ms Gill said: “We have to be measured but it is quite positive. We did look to compare revenue to other town centre services that have been established for a number of years. For a service which has only just started during a pandemic to be comparable with other successful town services is a good sign. I would like to think we are going to see patronage grow even more.”
The decision on whether the service continues next year, and expands, will be taken next week by the council’s executive.
