The Covid lockdown will have long-term consequences for bus services in West Lothian as commercial operators look at survival plans.West Lothian Council had completed a review of bus services throughout the county as part of plans to redesign the contract tenders process and was about to launch that plan when the lockdown was announced.Now the public transport landscape has changed out of all recognition as the main commercial operators have slashed services in the face of an 85% drop in passenger use.The council’s public transport budget is almost £10m, with £2m allocated for local bus services.
Extra one-funding of £300,000 has also been agreed for this year - and the next financial year 2021-22.However, the future is ripe with.