View source for Lothian Buses

{{Short description|Municipal bus operator in Edinburgh and the Lothians}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}}
{{Infobox bus company
|name            = Lothian Buses Ltd.
|logo            = LothianBuses.svg
|logo_size       = 200
|image           = Lothian Buses Envrio400XLB 1071.jpg
|image_caption   = One of Lothian's 100 seat [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400 XLB]] buses on display at Edinburgh Castle esplanade.
|parent          = [[Transport for Edinburgh]] (91%)<br />[[Midlothian Council]] (5%)<br />[[East Lothian Council]] (3%)<br />[[West Lothian Council]] (1%)
|depots          = [[Longstone, Edinburgh|Longstone]] (LS)<br />Central (CE)<br />Marine (MA)<br />[[Musselburgh]] (MU)<br />[[North Berwick]] (NB)<br />[[Seafield, Edinburgh|Seafield]] (SF)<br />[[Newbridge, Edinburgh|Newbridge]] (NE)<br />[[Deans, West Lothian|Livingston]] (LV)<br />[[Dunbar]] (Eve Coaches)
|founded         = {{Start date and age|df=yes|1919|7|1}}
|headquarters    = [[Edinburgh]], Scotland
|locale          =
|service_area    = Edinburgh<br />[[East Lothian]]<br />[[Midlothian]]<br />[[West Lothian]]
|service_type    = Bus services<br />Open top bus tours<br />Executive Tours
|alliance        = [[Edinburgh Trams]]
|routes          = 63 daytime, 19 night buses
|destinations    =
|stops           = 2,900
|hubs            =
|stations        =
|fleet           = 730 (January 2025)
|annual ridership= 110 million (2023)<ref>{{cite web|last=Peat|first=Chris|url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/lothian-patronage-increases-17-in-2023/ |title=Lothian patronage increases 17% in 2023 |publisher=Bus & Coach Buyer |date=7 February 2024 |access-date=7 February 2024}}</ref>
|fuel_type       =
|ceo             =  George Lowder
|website         = {{Official URL}}

https://edinburghtour.com

https://lothianmotorcoaches.com

https://www.eveinfo.co.uk


}}
'''Lothian Buses''' is a major bus operator based in [[Edinburgh]], Scotland.<ref>{{cite web |title=LOTHIAN BUSES LIMITED |url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/SC096849 |website=[[Companies House]] |access-date=9 January 2023}}</ref>  It is the largest [[municipal bus company]] in the United Kingdom:<ref>{{cite web |date=9 May 2012 |title=Lothian Buses Challenges Youth Unemployment |url=http://lothianbuses.com/assets/files/190312_sh_Edinburgh_Guarantee_Scheme_UPDATED.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126003923/http://lothianbuses.com/assets/files/190312_sh_Edinburgh_Guarantee_Scheme_UPDATED.pdf |archive-date=26 January 2013 |website=Lothian Buses}}</ref> the [[City of Edinburgh Council]] (through [[Transport for Edinburgh]]) owns 91%, [[Midlothian Council]] 5%, [[East Lothian Council]] 3% and [[West Lothian Council]] 1%.<ref>{{cite web |title=Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2016 |url=https://lothianbuses.co.uk/assets/files/170615_annualaccounts_final.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804014436/https://lothianbuses.co.uk/assets/files/170615_annualaccounts_final.pdf |archive-date=4 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=21 May 2015 |title=Governance and Responsibility review relating to the events and Council involvement into management difficulties at Lothian Buses |url=http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/47119/item_71_-_lothian_buses_-_governance_and_responsibibility_review_relating_to_the_events_and_council_involvement_into_management_difficulties_at_lothian_buses |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923234020/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/47119/item_71_-_lothian_buses_-_governance_and_responsibibility_review_relating_to_the_events_and_council_involvement_into_management_difficulties_at_lothian_buses |archive-date=23 September 2015 |archive-format=PDF}}</ref>

Lothian operates the majority of bus services in Edinburgh, and is a significant operator in [[East Lothian]], [[Midlothian]] and most recently [[West Lothian]]. It operates a comprehensive night bus network, three routes to [[Edinburgh Airport]], and owns the subsidiary companies Lothian Country, East Coast Buses, Edinburgh Bus Tours, Lothian Motorcoaches and Eve Coaches.

==History==
{{Main|History of Lothian Buses}}
The company can trace its history back to the ''Edinburgh Street Tramways Company'' of 1871, also involving at various times the tramway companies of ''Leith'', ''Musselburgh'' and ''Edinburgh North''. The City Council (''[[Edinburgh Corporation Tramways]]'' Department) took over operation of the tramways in 1919, at which time most of the system was [[cable car (railway)|cable operated]]. Electrification of the tram network was completed in 1923,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://scottishtransport.org/edinburgh_trams |title=Edinburgh Trams |publisher=Scottish Transport |access-date=28 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208131951/http://scottishtransport.org/edinburgh_trams |archive-date=8 February 2013 }}</ref> but the first motor buses had arrived in 1919.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.commercialmotor.com/article/11th-november-1932/88/edinburghs-buses-successful |title=Edinburgh's Buses Successful 11th November 1932 The Commercial Motor Archive |publisher=Archive.commercialmotor.com |date=11 November 1932 |access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>

The city's trams ceased operation between 1950 and 1956, after which the operation became the ''Edinburgh Corporation Transport'' Department.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://xweb.geos.ed.ac.uk/~mscgis/09-10/s0946083/ACunningham_s0946083_webpage.html |title=Transition from multimodal to unimodal public transit |publisher=Xweb.geos.ed.ac.uk |access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref> In 1965, it purchased its first rear-engined double-decker bus, a Leyland Atlantean PDR1/1 (registration ESF 801C). This bus is currently preserved at the [[Scottish Vintage Bus Museum]]. Almost 600 buses were added to the fleet over the next 17 years.

Following local government reorganisation, ''Edinburgh Corporation Transport'' was renamed ''Lothian Region Transport'' on 16 May 1975. In January 2000, it was again renamed as ''Lothian Buses''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://lothianbuses.com/about-us/our-heritage/timeline |title=Lothian Timeline |publisher=Lothian Buses |access-date=2 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223153310/http://lothianbuses.com/about-us/our-heritage/timeline |archive-date=23 December 2012 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|title=Companion to Road Passenger Transport History|year=2013|publisher=Roads & Road Transport History Association|location=Walsall|isbn=978-0-9552876-3-3|page=339}}</ref>

===Awards===
Lothian Buses have won several bus awards for their services to the Lothian region including ''Bus Operator of the Year'' in the 2007 UK Bus Awards,<ref>{{cite web|title=UK Bus Awards Results 2007 |publisher=Ukbusawards.org.uk |access-date=27 December 2012|url=http://www.ukbusawards.org.uk/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12&Itemid=216}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=6227&mode=html |title=Official Report Debate Contributions – Parliamentary Business : Scottish Parliament |date=24 May 2011 |publisher=Scottish.parliament.uk |access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref> and has subsequently been voted ''Public Transport Operator of the Year (Bus)'' at the 2008 National Transport Awards, at which the company was cited for its substantial route development, 32% growth in passenger numbers since 1998 and £100&nbsp;million investment in low-floor buses since 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukbusawards.org.uk/content/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18:city-operator&catid=19:bus-operator-awards&Itemid=27 |title=The UK Bus Awards, organised by The Bus Industry Awards Limited |publisher=Ukbusawards.org.uk |access-date=1 January 2013}}</ref>

Lothian Buses was voted ''Best UK Bus Company'' in 2002 and 2003.{{By whom|date=August 2023}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/lothian-buses.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206034054/http://www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/lothian-buses.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 February 2006 |title=Stuck on Scotland Lothian Buses article |publisher=Stuckonscotland.co.uk |access-date=15 April 2010}}</ref> Vehicles previously carried the wording ''Voted Scotland's Best Bus Company 2006'' in a laurel wreath type logo near the fleetname.

In November 2011, the company won the ''Top City Operator of the Year'' award at the UK Bus Awards.<ref name="Gordon">{{cite web|url=http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/28366-lothian-buses-top-of-uks-city-services/|title=Lothian Buses top of UK's city services &#124; Edinburgh News &#124; STV Local|last=Gordon|first=Rebecca|date=30 November 2011|website=[[Scottish Television]]|access-date=1 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202084212/http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/news/28366-lothian-buses-top-of-uks-city-services/|archive-date=2 December 2011}}</ref>

In June 2023, Lothian Buses received the Excellence in Transport Accessibility award and the Excellence in Innovation and Technology award at the Scottish Transport Awards.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keith |first=Karen |date=26 June 2023 |title=Lothian wins at Scottish Transport Awards 2023 |url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2023/06/lothian-wins-at-scottish-transport-awards-2023/ |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=Lothian Buses }}</ref> In 2024, the company was named Bus Operator of the Year at the National Transport Awards. Lothian Buses was also awarded the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award from the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] and the silver award in the Employer of the Year category at the Scottish Veteran Awards.<ref>{{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Sarah |date=29 October 2024 |title=Lothian named National Bus Operator of the Year |url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2024/10/lothian-named-national-bus-operator-of-the-year/ |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=Lothian Buses }}</ref> In 2025, its Lothian Country Service 43 received the Excellence in Transport Best Bus Service award.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stephen |first1=Phyllis |title=Scottish Transport Awards - Edinburgh's newest active travel link declared a winner |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/06/scottish-transport-awards-edinburghs-newest-active-travel-link-declared-a-winner/ |access-date=23 June 2025 |work=The Edinburgh Reporter |date=20 June 2025}}</ref>

==Fares==
Lothian Buses have operated a flat-fare system since March 2006.<ref>{{cite news |last=McCall |first=Chris |date=30 October 2015 |title=Should Scotland's bus services be regulated? |work=The Scotsman |url=https://www.scotsman.com/regions/edinburgh-fife-and-lothians/should-scotlands-bus-services-be-regulated-1491102}}</ref> Adult and child singles and day tickets, pre-paid multiple singles and 'Ridacards' are also available, with senior citizens travelling on [[free travel pass]]es in line with the rest of Scotland. {{As of|2025|April}}, an adult single fare is £2.20 and a child fare costs £1.10. An adult day ticket costs £5.50 and a child day ticket £2.75.<ref name="Daytime">{{cite web|url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2025/03/fares-revision-2025/ |title=Fares revision on Lothian network |website=Lothian Buses |date=3 March 2025 |access-date=10 April 2025}}</ref>

Cash fares are paid into a hopper, which automatically dumps the money into a vault to which the driver has no access; change is not given.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edinburghnotes.com/travel/lothian-bus.html |title=Lothian Buses |publisher=Edinburgh Notes |access-date=28 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510010619/http://www.edinburghnotes.com/travel/lothian-bus.html |archive-date=10 May 2013 }}</ref>

The Lothian 'Ridacard' [[Transit pass|bus pass]] is a pre-paid plastic [[Contactless smartcard|smartcard]] giving unlimited travel on regular daytime and night bus services, as well as Edinburgh Trams services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/fares-and-tickets |title=Fares and Tickets |publisher=Lothianbuses.com |access-date=28 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019174128/http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/fares-and-tickets |archive-date=19 October 2013 }}</ref> It is purchased initially from a Transport for Edinburgh Travelshop, where the owner's picture is incorporated on the card to prevent misuse. Once purchased, the card can be placed onto an on-board reader, which reads the contactless chip in the smartcard. Cards can be credited for a weekly, 4 weekly or annual period. A warning is displayed on the last five days of validity. The card can then be topped up at Transport for Edinburgh Travelshops or [[PayPoint]] equipped retailers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/fares-and-tickets/ridacard |title=Ridacard |publisher=Lothianbuses.com |access-date=28 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121226235023/http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/fares-and-tickets/ridacard |archive-date=26 December 2012 }}</ref>

Lothian Buses launched contactless payment on their normal day network in 2019.<ref>[https://news.stv.tv/east-central/1439478-lothian-buses-to-accept-contactless-pay-with-daily-capping?top Lothian Buses announce contactless payment on all services] stv.tv 2019</ref> Passengers can tap their contactless card to be able to travel when they board the bus. Daily capping is provided so that the passenger is only charged the maximum value of a day ticket if they make three or more journeys in one day. Otherwise they will be charged an adult single. Passengers can view their journey history by going to Lothian's website.<ref>[https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2019/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about-our-capped-contactless-system/ Everything you need to know about our capped contactless system] lothianbuses.com 2019</ref>

Regular Lothian Bus services running within Edinburgh and the west of [[East Lothian]] operate a flat fare, but from [[Longniddry]], [[Macmerry]] and [[Ormiston]] there is a zonal system with East Coast Buses having six zones.

==Network, brands and subsidiaries==
===Lothian-branded network===
[[File:Lothian Buses MCV D113 EV Volvo BZL SF74YMJ 710e.jpg|thumb|[[MCV Electric Bus|MCV]] bodied [[Volvo BZL]] [[battery electric bus]] in September 2024]]
Lothian-branded services are the core of the Lothian Buses group. There are some core services in the Lothian network that have followed more or less the same route since they were operated by trams in the 1950s, like services 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 16.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grantonhistory.org/transport/edinburgh_tram_map_1950.htm|title=Granton History: Edinburgh tram routes 1950|last=King|first=David|website=www.grantonhistory.org|access-date=18 December 2017}}</ref> However, the routes and timetables of most services are frequently modified in minor ways. For example, in recent years several confusing details such as letter suffixed routes and clockwise/anticlockwise circular services have been removed from the map. In the last ten years, there have been many temporary and permanent diversions in the New Town, including the closure at various times of [[Princes Street]] for tram works, [[George Street, Edinburgh|George Street]] for pedestrianisation<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps |title=routes |publisher=Lothianbuses.com |access-date=29 December 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225183821/http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps |archive-date=25 December 2012 }}</ref> and Leith Street for the reconstruction of the [[St James Centre]].

The majority of current routes pass through the city centre from opposing termini, either crossing or following Princes Street in full or in part. This means that there are some arteries in and out of the New Town that are served by as many as a dozen different routes, such as Nicolson Street and [[Leith Walk]]. Some of these services, like services 3, 26 and 37, extend into outlying towns in East Lothian and Midlothian. There are also some more orbital routes, such as service 38.

====Liveries====
Traditionally, Edinburgh Corporation, LRT and Lothian Buses had been generally painted in a madder (a dark red) and cream (or white) livery. When low floor disabled access vehicles were introduced in the late 1990s, they were given their own distinguishing "harlequin" livery, moquette covered seating and brightly coloured floors and walls. The last high step bus was removed from service by Lothian in the late 2000s, making the distinction irrelevant.

Lothian began to phase out the harlequin livery in May 2010, replacing it with a version of the traditional madder and white colour scheme. This had sweeping curved lines, having been updated to suit the body shapes of more modern buses. The last harlequin bus was repainted in 2016.<ref>[https://cbwmagazine.com/22856/ Lothian phases out harlequin livery] ''Coach & Bus Week'' 1 February 2016</ref>

In late 2016 a new livery, known as the fleet of the future livery, was unveiled on a batch of new Wright Gemini 3 Streetdeck style buses, for route 22. The angular shape and style of this livery was a complete departure from anything Lothian had designed before, and as of 2021 is the standard livery for all new vehicles. The livery underwent a minor adjustment when a fleet of new [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400 XLB]]s were put into service in 2019, with smoother curves and a lack of a smaller 'cheatline' on the bus's lower sides. While the Enviro400 XLBs carried the coat of arms of the city of Edinburgh on each side, every batch of vehicles bought thereafter have not had the same coat of arms added.

===Airlink and other airport routes===
[[File:Now boarding (52029359243).jpg|thumb|Alexander Dennis Enviro400 XLB bodied [[Volvo B8L]]s in ''Airlink'' livery on [[Waverley Bridge]]]]
Lothian operates three services to and from [[Edinburgh Airport]]: Airlink 100, and LothianCity services 17 and 18. The airport is in a separate fare zone from the rest of the Lothian network, which means that fares to and from the airport are higher than the standard fares charged elsewhere on the network. However, this only applies to Airlink, as commuters can easily bypass this fare zone by using the routes 17 and 18, which stick to the normal city zone fares.

====Current airport routes====

Airlink 100 runs to Waverley Bridge between Princes Street gardens and Waverley station. Since 30 July 2017, Airlink has accepted contactless card payments as well as cash and ridacard fares.

====Former airport routes====
Lothian also used to have a separate network of bus routes that ran to the Airport from places outside the city centre named Skylink. These routes were withdrawn from service and replaced with conventional city services on 6 April 2025.<ref name="SkylinkWithdrawal">{{cite web |title=Service change from Sunday 6 April |url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2025/03/changes-to-network/ |publisher=Lothian Buses |access-date=14 April 2025 |date=3 March 2025}}</ref>

Skylink 200 commenced on 23 April 2017, running from the airport to the north of Edinburgh, terminating at [[Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh|Ocean Terminal]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-39339557 Lothian Buses to create 55 new jobs] ''BBC News'' 21 March 2017</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170803111937/https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/skylink-buses-unveiled Skylink buses unveiled] Lothian Buses 19 April 2017</ref> It was initially operated by single decker buses, but double deckers have been used since 1 October 2017. This route was withdrawn in April 2025 and renumbered as service 17.<ref name="SkylinkWithdrawal" />

Skylink 300 commenced on 1 October 2017, as an upgrade and renumbering of the old service 35, which ran from the airport to the Ocean Terminal via [[Slateford]], [[Longstone, Edinburgh|Longstone]] and [[South Gyle]].<ref>[https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/lothian-buses-scraps-cheapest-airport-bus-link-with-35-rebrand-1-4564263 Lothian Buses scraps cheapest airport bus link] ''[[Edinburgh Evening News]]'' 19 September 2017</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180808145749/https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2017/09/introducing-skylink-300/ Introducing Skylink 300, Service 35 relaunch from 1 October 2017] Lothian Buses 26 September 2017</ref> The 35 had been a way of getting to the airport while only paying the standard Lothian fare, and usually used repainted ex-Airlink vehicles with extra luggage racks. The route was amended on 29 July 2018, shortening the route considerably and introducing a new terminal at Cameron Toll. At the same time, a modified 35 was reintroduced, but this service terminated at Heriot-Watt University rather than the airport. Skylink 300 was withdrawn from the timetable change on 11 September 2022 due to low passenger demand.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2022/08/service-change-11-september-2022/ | title=Service change from 11 September 2022 | date=19 August 2022 }}</ref>

Skylink 400 commenced on 29 July 2018 operating to [[Fort Kinnaird]] via [[Gracemount]], [[Fairmilehead]], [[Oxgangs]] and [[Colinton]].<ref>[https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2018/07/introducing-skylink-400/ Introducing Skylink 400] Lothian Buses 30 July 2018</ref><ref>[http://www.route-one.net/articles/Operators/New_cross_city_links_for_airport_travellers New cross city links for airport travellers] ''Route One'' 1 August 2018</ref><ref>"Lothian launches new cross-city Edinburgh airport service" ''Coach & Bus Week'' issue 1354 7 August 2018 page 8</ref> This route was withdrawn in April 2025 and has been renumbered as the 18, bringing back the old route and 'city' fares for the service pre-2018.<ref name="SkylinkWithdrawal" />

Between June 2021 and March 2022, Skylink services 200, 300, and 400 were adjusted to call at the [[Royal Highland Centre]], which was in use as a vaccination centre during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom|COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Fairnie|first=Robert|date=19 February 2021|title=Lothian Buses change services so they can take residents to vaccine appointments|url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/lothian-buses-change-services-can-19878172|access-date=17 June 2021|website=edinburghlive}}</ref> These services were reverted to their original routings when the centre closed in March 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vaccination travel|url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/wearelothian/vaccination-centres/ |access-date=25 June 2022|website=Lothian Buses}}</ref>

====Liveries and vehicles====
Airlink 100 was originally branded as "Airline", and has used many different liveries and logos, though all have been primarily blue. Airlink buses are always new when they start on the service, and are cascaded to other services after a few years. Over the years, the service has used the [[Leyland Olympian]], [[Scania Omnicity]], [[Wright Eclipse Gemini 2]] and the [[Wright Eclipse Gemini 3]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170803121809/https://cbwmagazine.com/summer-upgrade-for-airlink-service/ Summer upgrade for Airlink service] ''Coach & Bus Week'' 22 June 2015</ref> Between June 2017 and August 2019 the Airlink service used a light blue and grey version of the standard angular livery. These vehicles have since moved onto Skylink, still with the light blue livery. other Skylink services use a medium blue and white version of the angular livery. From August 2019, Enviro400 XLBs have been introduced on the Airlink Service, with a dark blue plain livery with a large gold Airlink logo on both sides.

===East Coast Buses===
[[File:East Coast Buses 10060 and 10059, seen in Edinburgh.jpg|thumb|East Coast Buses [[Volvo B8RLE]] [[Wright Eclipse Urban]] 3s entering Princes Street]]
In summer 2012, [[First Scotland East]] withdrew route 44B from Edinburgh to [[Pencaitland]]. This prompted Lothian Buses to expand into East Lothian much further than they had for years; far past the Tranent terminus of the service 26. Operations were initially branded as ''East Lothian Buses,'' and service 113 launched on 12 June 2012.<ref>[http://news.stv.tv/east-central/105661-city-bus-service-expands-network-to-east-lothian/ City bus service expands network to East Lothian] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921061729/http://news.stv.tv/east-central/105661-city-bus-service-expands-network-to-east-lothian/ |date=21 September 2013 }} ''STV News'' 11 June 2012</ref><ref>[http://data.companieshouse.gov.uk/doc/company/SC208702 Companies House extract company no SC208702] Lothian Country Buses Limited</ref> A second service was added in September 2014 (the 104 to [[Haddington, East Lothian|Haddington]]).<ref>[http://www.eastlothiannews.co.uk/news/local-news/a-new-bus-service-from-east-lothian-to-edinburgh-has-been-launched-1-3526868 A new bus service from East Lothian to Edinburgh has been launched] ''East Lothian News'' 4 September 2014</ref> The brand name was changed to ''Lothian Country Buses.'' One reason for launching as a separate brand was to make it easier to introduce a zonal fare system, rather than the flat fare of Lothian Buses.

First Scotland East announced in June 2016 that they would be withdrawing entirely from East Lothian by 14 August, believing the county to be unprofitable.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.focustransport.org/2016/06/first-to-withdraw-from-east-lothian.html|title=First to Withdraw from East Lothian|website=www.focustransport.org|access-date=16 October 2018}}</ref> Lothian later announced the creation of a wholly owned subsidiary company, ''East Coast Buses,'' to again fill the gap left by First. The new company also took over the former First depots at North Berwick and Musselburgh, and took on many former First staff.<ref>[http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/lothian-buses-deal-to-save-east-lothian-services-and-jobs-1-4168178 Lothian Buses deal to save East Lothian services and jobs] ''Edinburgh Evening News'' 3 July 2016</ref><ref>[http://www.busandcoach.com/news/articles/2016/lothian-buses-subsidiary-to-take-on-first-s-east-lothian-services/ Lothian Buses subsidiary to take on First's East Lothian services] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804021534/http://www.busandcoach.com/news/articles/2016/lothian-buses-subsidiary-to-take-on-first-s-east-lothian-services/ |date=4 August 2017 }} ''Bus & Coach Professional'' 8 July 2016</ref> From 23 April 2017, the two Lothian Country Buses routes were integrated into East Coast Buses.<ref>[https://eastcoastbuses.co.uk/timetables-and-fares-from-23-april-2017/ Timetables & Fares from 23 April 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803111358/https://eastcoastbuses.co.uk/timetables-and-fares-from-23-april-2017/ |date=3 August 2017 }} East Coast Buses</ref>

====Liveries and vehicles====
East Lothian Buses services were initially operated by existing Lothian vehicles. The service was later operated by five [[Wright Eclipse]] bodied [[Volvo B7RLE]]s and two [[Plaxton President]] bodied [[Dennis Trident 2]]s. The East Lothian Buses/Lothian Country Buses livery was a version of the standard Lothian design featuring sweeping curved lines in bright green and cream, similar to the livery of the former [[Scottish Motor Traction]]/[[Eastern Scottish]] buses.<ref>[http://www.eurotransportmagazine.com/8931/news/industry-news/greener-buses-for-east-lothian/ Greener Buses for East Lothian] eurotransport 28 October 2012</ref> East Coast Buses then used a version of the fleet of the future livery, the angular Lothian design, in green and grey (though the ECB green is slightly bluer than that formerly used by LCB).

In November 2021, Lothian Buses announced a new joint livery for subsidiaries Lothian Country and East Coast Buses. They were similar liveries with the only differences being the vinyls (logos) being put on the buses to signify which company was operating the service. As of November 2023, the repainting process has been completed.

===Lothian Country===
[[File:Lothiancountry buses X18, 1043.JPG|thumb|A Lothian Country [[Volvo B9TL]] with [[Wright Eclipse Gemini 2]] bodywork in February 2020]]
In June 2017, a new subsidiary named Lothian Country commenced operating route 43 to [[South Queensferry]] after the previous operator [[Stagecoach East Scotland]] deemed the service not economically viable.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/our-region/edinburgh/lothian-buses-launches-new-south-queensferry-service-1-4444285|title=Lothian Buses launches new South Queensferry service|last=Snead|first=Florence|date=12 May 2017|work=Edinburgh Evening News|access-date=4 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/2017/timetable-and-fares-information-announced-for-forthcoming-lothian-country-services/ |title=Timetable and fares information announced for forthcoming Lothian Country services |magazine=Bus & Coach Professional |date=19 May 2017 |access-date=9 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809220927/http://busandcoach.com/news/articles/2017/timetable-and-fares-information-announced-for-forthcoming-lothian-country-services/ |archive-date=9 August 2018 |url-status=dead  }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=23 May 2017|title=Lothian Buses subsidiary announces new timetables and fares |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-buses-subsidiary-announces-new-timetables-and-fares/ |work=Coach & Bus Week |issue=1292 |page=11 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=7 February 2024}}</ref> This new operation re-used the then-recently defunct Lothian Country Buses brand, for unrelated services travelling the opposite direction out of the city.

On 19 August 2018, three new Lothian Country services to West Lothian commenced, creating new links between Edinburgh and [[Bathgate]], and [[Edinburgh Park railway station|Edinburgh Park station]] and [[Whitburn, West Lothian|Whitburn]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=10 July 2018|title=Lothian Country expands to West Lothian |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-country-expands-to-west-lothian |work=Coach & Bus Week |issue=1350 |page=9 |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=7 February 2024}}</ref>

On 17 November 2019 service X38 was launched connecting Edinburgh to Linlithgow (now withdrawn), rivalling First Scotland East's service with the same number. This was followed by the X18 on 2 December 2018, serving Edinburgh and Armadale via Broxburn and Bathgate, and night service N28, replicating the existing X27 route as far as Deans South.

In May 2023 a new N18 night service was introduced, with one journey per night between Edinburgh and Bathgate via Broxburn, and with an additional journey per night on weekends.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Stephen |first1=Phyllis |title=Lothian to make changes to bus services later this month |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2023/05/lothian-to-make-changes-to-bus-services-later-this-month/ |website=The Edinburgh Reporter |access-date=19 June 2023 |date=2 May 2023}}</ref>

===Edinburgh Bus Tours===
====History of tour operations====
{{Main|History of Lothian Buses}}
[[File:Lothian Buses open top tour bus 11 (RCL2241) Routemaster CUV 241C Mac Tours livery, 29 August 2010.jpg|thumb|MacTours [[open-top bus|open-top]] [[AEC Routemaster]] in August 2010]]
Lothian Buses have operated city tours using white liveried coaches. Later, [[Leyland Atlantean]]s were employed in this same livery, with blinds for City Tour. These wore an updated version of the white livery with blue detailing after a short period. An Edinburgh Classic Tour was set up in 1989 using open top Leyland Atlanteans, and later [[Leyland Olympian]]s, which competed with Guide Friday.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/guide-friday.html |title=Edinburgh's Guide Friday Bus Tour |publisher=Stuckonscotland.co.uk |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-date=9 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309183611/http://www.stuckonscotland.co.uk/edinburgh/guide-friday.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was as a result of Guide Friday introducing competition on the city centre to Airport route. The buses wore a blue and white livery, each carrying a name e.g. ''Scottish Star'', ''Lothian Star'' and ''Highland Star''. Lothian Buses also operated open top tours in [[Oxford]] (in conjunction with local operator Tappins) and [[Cambridge]] under the Classic Tour identity.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

From 2002 to 2016, a sightseeing operation named MacTours operated across Edinburgh between March and October, using a fleet of 12 [[AEC Routemaster]] buses painted in a dark red and cream livery. These were withdrawn in November 2016 due to changing environmental standards and disabled access requirements.<ref>{{cite web|author=<!--not stated--> |date=27 October 2016 |title=The last days of our MacTours and Routemasters |url=https://edinburghtour.com/news/last-days-of-our-mac-tour-and-routemasters |work=Edinburgh Bus Tours |access-date=3 August 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803110337/https://edinburghtour.com/news/last-days-of-our-mac-tour-and-routemasters |archive-date=3 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=7 November 2016 |title=End of the road for Edinburgh's vintage sightseeing buses |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/traffic-and-travel/end-road-edinburghs-vintage-sightseeing-buses-647815 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |access-date=3 August 2017}}</ref>

On 2 April 2022, Edinburgh Bus Tours launched Cobbles' Tour, named after the Edinburgh Tour's [[Scottish Terrier]] mascot 'Cobbles'.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stephen |first=Phyllis |date=8 July 2021 |title=Cobbles is top dog on the bus tours |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2021/07/cobbles-is-top-dog-on-the-bus-tours/ |work=The Edinburgh Reporter |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref> The service, which operates using five Volvo B5TL Wright Gemini 3s cascaded from the other open-top operations, serves the [[Grassmarket]], Edinburgh Castle and the [[Royal Mile]] at a fifteen-minute frequency.<ref>{{cite news |last=Walter |first=Richard |date=20 April 2022|title=Exploring Edinburgh with Cobbles the Dog |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/exploring-edinburgh-with-cobbles-the-dog/ |work=Coach & Bus Week |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=25 June 2022}}{{subscription required}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://edinburghtour.com/cobbles/|title=Cobbles' Tour |publisher=Edinburgh Bus Tours|access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref> This tour did not return in 2023, with buses being moved onto City Sightseeing and Edinburgh Tour tours allowing for summer frequency increases.

====Current operations====
[[File:City Sightseeing Edinburgh (Lothian Buses) 223 - SJ16 CSU.jpg|thumb|A [[City Sightseeing]] Edinburgh [[Volvo B5TL]] with [[Wright Gemini 3]] open-top bodywork on Princes Street]]
Today's open-top services are operated by Edinburgh Bus Tours under three distinct brands: City Sightseeing, the Edinburgh Tour and the Regal Tour. The City Sightseeing tour is operated as a franchise of the [[City Sightseeing]] brand.<ref name="edinburghtour">{{cite web|url=http://www.edinburghtour.com/|title=Edinburgh Bus Tours – official hop-on-hop-off guided tours |publisher=Edinburgh Bus Tours|access-date=27 December 2012}}</ref>

[[City Sightseeing]] and the Edinburgh Tour visit the [[Old Town, Edinburgh|Old Town]], [[New Town, Edinburgh|New Town]], Calton Hill, [[Holyrood Palace]] and [[Edinburgh Castle]], albeit on slightly differing routes. The Regal Tour operates a long loop from Holyrood and New Town, via the [[Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh|Royal Botanic Garden]], to the coast at [[Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh|Ocean Terminal]], the site of the former [[HMY Britannia|Royal Yacht Britannia]].

All sightseeing services are operated with 30 purpose-built [[Wright Gemini 3]] bodied [[Volvo B5TL]] [[open top bus]]es, which replaced [[Plaxton President]] bodied [[Dennis Trident 2|Dennis Trident]]s in 2016. For the City Sightseeing tours, the livery is red, for Edinburgh Tours the livery green, and Regal Tours use blue coloured vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cole|first=David |url=https://www.busandcoachbuyer.com/fresher-air-top/ |title=Fresher air on top |publisher=Bus & Coach Buyer |date=23 August 2016 |accessdate=25 June 2022}}</ref>

Between 4 and 26 August 2018, Edinburgh Bus Tours operated the '20 Days Of Summer' bus tour, serving destinations around Edinburgh such as the [[Braid Hills]], [[Colinton]], [[Fettes College]], the Ocean Terminal and [[Portobello, Edinburgh|Portobello]] using a fleet of refurbished former Mac Tours AEC Routemasters.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stephen |first=Phyllis |date=25 July 2018 |title=Edinburgh Bus Tours – 20 Days of Summer Tour |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2018/07/edinburgh-bus-tours-20-days-of-summer-tour/ |work=The Edinburgh Reporter |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref>

===Lothian Motorcoaches===
[[File:LC19 BUS LOTHIAN.jpg|thumb|Lothian Motorcoaches [[Plaxton Panther]] bodied [[Volvo B11R]] in June 2023]]
In June 2018, Lothian returned to the coach charter market after a 19-year absence through a new subsidiary named Lothian Motorcoaches that commenced with five [[Plaxton Panther]] bodied [[Volvo B11R]]s and three-second-hand [[Van Hool]] bodied [[Volvo B12M]]Ts.<ref>[https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-motor-coaches-revealed/ Lothian Motor Coaches revealed] ''Coach & Bus Week'' 1 May 2018</ref><ref>"Lothian returns to coaching in style with five Plaxton Volvos" ''Route One'' issue 738 2 May 2018 page 14</ref><ref>"Lothian returns to coaches" ''[[Buses (magazine)|Buses]]'' issue 759 June 2018 page 10</ref> A  new depot is being built for Lothian Country and Lothian Motorcoaches in the Newbridge area.{{needs update|date=June 2023}} The design of the livery used by Lothian Motorcoaches is not related to the other brands of the group, being entirely dark grey with silver lettering.

===Eve Coaches===


In February 2024, Lothian announced that it had purchased East Lothian coach operator, Eve Coaches. The company said that it intended to continue operating the existing services under the Eve Coaches brand, these including local bus services, private hire services and school work. Lothian also said that it would expand its own coach and tours offering in East Lothian.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Swanson |first1=Ian |title=Lothian Buses takes over well-known East Lothian coach operator Eve Coaches |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/lothian-buses-takes-over-well-known-east-lothian-coach-operator-eve-coaches-4517277 |access-date=27 May 2024 |work=Evening News |date=13 February 2024 |location=Edinburgh}}</ref>

===Night buses===
Lothian Buses also operates a nightbus network. Ridership increased when the routes were re-numbered and re-routed to match daytime routes and increased in frequency. The operation of night buses provides a continuous 24-hour bus service to some areas of the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/services/night-buses|title=Nightbuses|publisher=Lothianbuses.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121222222325/http://lothianbuses.com/services/night-buses|archive-date=22 December 2012|url-status=dead|access-date=27 December 2012}}</ref> This ticket allows for unlimited travel all night on any night bus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/services/night-buses|title=Nightbus Fares|publisher=Lothianbuses.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305163204/http://lothianbuses.com/services/night-buses|archive-date=5 March 2013|url-status=dead|access-date=13 March 2013}}</ref> From 5 November 2016, East Coast Buses introduced its own nightbus service under the NightHawk brand, to [[North Berwick]] and [[Dunbar]].<ref>[https://eastcoastbuses.co.uk/nighthawk/ Nighthawk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106172542/http://eastcoastbuses.co.uk/nighthawk/ |date=6 November 2016 }} East Coast Buses</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170803120228/https://lothianbuses.co.uk/news/article/east-coast-buses-night-service Introducing NightHawk] East Coast Buses 13 October 2016</ref> In December 2018, Lothian Country introduced the Nightbus N28 to [[Livingston, West Lothian|Livingston]].

==Infrastructure and operation==
The previous company headquarters and engineering works in Shrub Hill, off [[Leith Walk]], were sold in 1999 subject to planning permission, after being occupied by the company since 1871.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/planners-back-high-rise-urban-village-1-596192 |title=Planners back 'high-rise' urban village |work=The Scotsman |date=5 February 2002|access-date=15 April 2010 |location=Edinburgh|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021150209/http://www.scotsman.com/news/planners-back-high-rise-urban-village-1-596192|archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref> After repeated delays, controversies and a public inquiry,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/masons-hit-roof-over-lead-theft-1-877530 |title=Masons hit roof over lead theft |work=The Scotsman |date=1 May 2003|access-date=15 April 2010 |location=Edinburgh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021150232/http://www.scotsman.com/news/masons-hit-roof-over-lead-theft-1-877530 |archive-date=21 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk/shrub_place_edinburgh.htm |title=Shrub Place : Development |publisher=Edinburgh Architecture |access-date=15 April 2010}}</ref> in 2004, the site was sold to BL Developments for £12&nbsp;million so that the site could be developed [[apartment|flat]]s and houses.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/lothian-buses-drives-in-the-fast-lane-with-163-16-3m-profit-1-994270 |title=Lothian Buses drives in the fast lane with £16.3m profit |work=The Scotsman |date=3 August 2006|access-date=15 April 2010 |location=Edinburgh |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428202136/http://www.scotsman.com/news/lothian-buses-drives-in-the-fast-lane-with-163-16-3m-profit-1-994270 |archive-date=28 April 2016}}</ref><ref name="BL Developments">{{cite web|url=http://www.bldev.co.uk/projects/default.asp?newsid=11|title=Shrubhill |publisher=BL Developments|access-date=23 September 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321203107/http://www.bldev.co.uk/projects/default.asp?newsid=11|archive-date=21 March 2011}}</ref>

The company as a whole operates three travel shops,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/travelhub/ |title=TravelHub |website=Lothian Buses|access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref> and nine depots.

Edinburgh has a network of [[park & ride]] services operates by Lothian Buses, with sites located at [[Hermiston, Edinburgh|Hermiston]], [[Ingliston]], Sheriffhall, [[Straiton]] and [[Wallyford]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/our-services/park-and-ride/ |title=Park & Ride|website=Lothian Buses|access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref>

Lothian's double decker buses were unique in Scotland in displaying the destination at both the front and rear. In early mornings and late evenings, some services are curtailed to the city centre or to early termini, in the transition to the [[night bus service]]. In such cases, 'Part Route' is displayed in the intermediate display. Certain routes have all day short working termini, and minor diversions which are often indicated through the use of internal or external 'tram boards'. Since 2006, double-deck deliveries feature a "Route Diverted" intermediate display, used when road closures cause a service to be diverted from its normal route.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

==Trams==
{{Main|Edinburgh Trams}}
[[File:Guided Busway West Edinburgh.jpg|thumb|right|[[Plaxton President]] bodied [[Dennis Trident 2]] traversing a former [[List of guided busways and BRT systems in the United Kingdom|Fastlink]] guided busway. The route is now a tram line for [[Edinburgh Trams]]]]
Lothian Buses' services have been integrated with [[Edinburgh Trams]], since the trams commenced operation in 2014 – both are managed by [[Transport for Edinburgh]], with Lothian Buses serving interchange with the trams at various locations. The now closed [[guided bus]]way element of Fastlink formed part of phase 1a of the tram permanent way.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elsp.gov.uk/downloads/SP_action_plan_2007.pdf|title=Action plan 2008 section 4.4|access-date=4 January 2013}}{{dead link|date=April 2018 |bot=5 albert square |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Fleet==
{{Main|History of Lothian Buses}}
As of January 2025, the Lothian Buses fleet, incorporating East Coast Buses, Lothian Country, the Edinburgh Bus Tours, Lothian Motorcoaches and Eve Coaches, consists of approximately 730 buses and coaches.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Halford |first1=Paul |title=Lothian rolls out Freeway Fleet Systems technology |url=https://www.route-one.net/news/lothian-rolls-out-freeway-fleet-systems-technology/ |access-date=21 March 2025 |work=routeone |date=14 January 2025}}</ref>

=== Recent purchases ===
Lothian first introduced low emissions vehicles in the form of hybrid buses into service in 2011 with the purchase of 15 [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400H]]s;<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=13 September 2011|title=Lothian Buses Launches hybrid fleet |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-buses-launches-hybrid-fleet/ |work=Coach & Bus Week |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Henderson |first=Damien |date=8 September 2011|title=Cleaner air for Edinburgh as 15 hybrid buses take to the streets |work=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]|location=Glasgow |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13036051.cleaner-air-edinburgh-15-hybrid-buses-take-streets/ |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref> these were subsequently retrofitted with diesel engines in 2018 due to issues with the hybrid batteries.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=11 September 2018 |title=Lothian Buses ditch eco-friendly fleet after 'battery issues' |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/lothian-buses-ditch-eco-friendly-fleet-after-battery-issues-256562 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref> These were supplemented with the arrival of the first ten [[Volvo 7900|Volvo 7900H]]s in April 2013, initially allocated to route 1 from [[Clermiston]] to [[Easter Road (street)|Easter Road]].<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=16 April 2013|title=Ten new Volvo 7900s for Lothian Buses |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/ten-new-volvo-7900s-for-lothian-buses/ |work=Coach & Bus Week |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref> 20 more of the type were delivered in July 2014, followed by the delivery of another repeat order for 20 at the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=31 July 2014|title=Lothian receives 20 new Volvo 7900Hs |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-receives-20-new-volvo-7900hs-2/ |work=Coach & Bus Week |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref>

In 2017, Lothian Buses introduced six [[Wright StreetAir]] [[battery electric bus]]es for route 1, replacing the Volvo 7900Hs.<ref>{{cite news |date=29 September 2017 |title=First fully electric public buses in Edinburgh unveiled ahead of launch |url=http://www.peeblesshirenews.com/news/15564650.First_fully_electric_public_buses_in_Edinburgh_unveiled_ahead_of_launch/ |work=Peeblesshire News |access-date=9 August 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004140440/http://www.peeblesshirenews.com/news/15564650.First_fully_electric_public_buses_in_Edinburgh_unveiled_ahead_of_launch/ |archive-date=4 October 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.route-one.net/news/lothian_is_first_to_put_wrightbus_streetair_buses_on_the_road/ |title=Lothian is first to put Wrightbus StreetAir buses on the road |publisher=Routeone |date=3 October 2017 |accessdate=4 October 2017}}</ref> Another five were planned to be purchased in 2018 to fully electrify the route, but the order did not materialise. These were later complemented by four [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400EV]]s in March 2021, purchased with funding by [[Scottish Power]] and the first battery electric double-decker buses to be purchased for Edinburgh.<ref>{{cite news |last=Walker |first=Peter A. |date=11 March 2021 |title=Edinburgh's first fleet of electric double decker buses launches |url=https://www.insider.co.uk/news/edinburghs-first-fleet-electric-double-24397084 |work=Scottish Business Insider |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=29 June 2021|title=Lothian launches electric double-deckers |url=https://cbwmagazine.com/lothian-launches-electric-double-deckers/ |work=Coach & Bus Week |location=Peterborough |publisher=Emap |access-date=25 June 2022}}</ref> Following a period in 2023 in which single and double-deck demonstrator models were trialled, 50 double-deck [[Volvo BZL]]s are to be delivered to Lothian across two batches in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|last=Deakin |first=Tim |date=20 September 2023 |title=Lothian Buses orders 50 Volvo BZL double-deckers |url=https://www.route-one.net/news/lothian-buses-orders-50-volvo-bzl-double-deckers/ |access-date=20 September 2023 |website=routeone}}</ref>

Historically Lothian has purchased new buses for its regular services across Edinburgh, however in 2018, the company purchased 50 [[Wright Eclipse Gemini|Wright Eclipse Gemini 2]] bodied [[Volvo B9TL]]s from [[Tower Transit]] and [[Metroline]], which were heavily refurbished before the first of the batch entered service in April.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=19 April 2018 |title=Lothian puts refurbed ex-London Geminis into service |url=https://www.keybuses.com/article/lothian-puts-refurbed-ex-london-geminis-service |magazine=Buses |location=Stamford |publisher=Key Publishing |access-date=25 June 2022}}{{subscription required}}</ref>

In November 2018, the company announced the purchase of 42 13.4m [[Alexander Dennis Enviro400 XLB]] bodied [[Volvo B8L]] tri-axle buses, the first batch being delivered in early 2019, in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company. The vehicles have 100 seats, with front and centre doors.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.masstransitmag.com/press_release/12436280/100-seats-for-lothian-in-new-three-axle-adl-enviro400xlb-on-volvo-chassis|title=100 Seats for Lothian in New Three-Axle ADL Enviro400XLB on Volvo Chassis|date=9 November 2018 }}</ref> Another batch of these buses, branded in a dark blue and gold livery for the 'Airlink' 100 express service, were delivered and put into service later in the summer, featuring luggage racks and audio-visual announcements. These tri-axle vehicles have been criticised for lacking space to fit pushchairs,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-48253217 |title=Lothian Buses bosses 'could be questioned' in buggy row |work=BBC News |date=13 May 2019|access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref> as well as their length causing near collisions with motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Matchett |first1=Connor |last2=McKenzie |first2=Jamie |date=16 September 2019 |title=Watch as Edinburgh 'super buses' nearly hit cyclist and pedestrians on pavement while turning on tiny roundabout |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/watch-edinburgh-super-buses-nearly-hit-cyclist-and-pedestrians-pavement-while-turning-tiny-roundabout-641869 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref>

===Route branding===
[[File:Lothian Buses 833 G833GSX.jpg|thumb|right|A now withdrawn [[Leyland Olympian]] in traditional madder and white livery on [[Princes Street]] in 2006]]

Route branding been used by Lothian since the introduction of low floor vehicles, although many liveries have now been phased out in favour of more uniform branding.

In 2010, the Harlequin livery used to identify low floor buses began to be phased out due to the company achieving full low-floor operation, with the company returning to their traditional madder and white livery.<ref name="lothianbuses1">{{cite web |url=http://lothianbuses.com/assets/files/Accessibility_FAQS_-_Final.pdf |title=Accessibility FAQs |publisher=Lothian Buses |access-date=28 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126004104/http://lothianbuses.com/assets/files/Accessibility_FAQS_-_Final.pdf |archive-date=26 January 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=<!--not stated--> |date=23 March 2010|title=Madder and white in pink as buses return to classic livery |work=The Scotsman|location=Edinburgh |url=https://www.scotsman.com/news/madder-and-white-pink-buses-return-classic-livery-2442739 |access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref>

In July 2011, Lothian Buses introduced 60 new double deck buses. These buses continued with the same madder red and white pattern on the outside of the bus but Lothian Buses changed the seats to a matching madder red colour.<ref name="lothianbuses1" /> They also changed the entrance to the bus to a more wooden effect. Routes 4, 5, 19, 23 and 27 were the first buses to receive this branding.

[[File:Lothian Buses bus 307 Volvo B9TL Wright Gemini 2 SN09 CTZ Harlequin livery Connect 26 route branding.jpg|thumb|Wright Eclipse Gemini 2 bodied [[Volvo B9TL]] wearing former 26 Connect branding in 2009]]
[[File:Rear of Lothian Buses 'Chameleon Bus' 495 - SF17 VOJ.jpg|thumb|Rear of a [[Wright Gemini 3]] wearing 'Chameleon Bus' branding for the [[Edinburgh Zoo]] in 2018]]
These brands were:
* Penicuik City Link (37, 47 and X47) between Edinburgh and [[Penicuik]].
* Playing cards theme
** ''Club Class – across the City and Midlothian'' (3/3A), later superseded by "''3-Connect''" branding.
** ''East to West Through the Heart of the City'' (26)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/timetables/26 |title=Route 26 |access-date=2 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223153001/http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/timetables/26 |archive-date=23 December 2012 }}</ref>
** ''[[Ace of spades]] – cutting across the city and Midlothian'' (31)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/timetables/31 |title=Route 31 |access-date=2 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121223152921/http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/timetables/31 |archive-date=23 December 2012 }}</ref>
* ''Service with a Sparkle'' (44) with black uppers and roofline and a yellow diamond symbol. This was superseded by a new branding, "''The Mill Race''"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/timetables/44 |title=Route 44 |access-date=2 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115152545/http://lothianbuses.com/timetables-tickets-maps/timetables/44 |archive-date=15 January 2013 }}</ref>
** ''The Best Deal'' (29), later ''The Stock Brig'' 
** ''Leader of the Pack'' (49), later ''The Queen of Scots''
* Connect branding<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edinphoto.org.uk/0_edin_t/0_edinburgh_transport_-_buses_bus%20liveries.htm |title=Edinburgh's Transport – Lothian Buses – Bus Liveries |publisher=Edinphoto.org.uk |access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>
** ''26 Connect: Clerwood, City Centre, Seton Sands / Tranent'' (This supersedes the earlier playing card theme.)
** ''22 Connect: Gyle + Edinburgh Park, Stenhouse, City Centre, Granton Harbour''
** ''3 Connect'' (later replaced by ''The Lady Victoria'' branding)
* Zoom to the Zoo advertising (Route 26)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thedrum.com/news/2009/06/04/edinburgh-zoo-catches-bus |title=Edinburgh Zoo catches the bus – News – The Drum – Advertising, Design, Media, Marketing, Digital, PR – News, Information & Jobs |publisher=The Drum |date=5 June 2009 |access-date=15 April 2010}}</ref>
Five variations exist, on two vehicles each:
** Glide to the Antarctic – Penguins
** Trek to China – Pandas
** Hop to the Amazon – Frogs
** Cha Cha to Chile – Flamingos
** Swing into Africa – Chimpanzees

In 2017, Lothian Buses' partnership with the [[Edinburgh Zoo]] was renewed, which saw 30 new buses receive livery designs featuring animals from the zoo including otters, penguins, koalas, red pandas and tigers. Colloquially known as "zoo buses", some of the animal designs appearing on these buses were decided by vote.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Mike |date=5 November 2017 |title=Otters Win Public Vote for New Bus Design |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2017/11/otters-win-public-vote-for-new-bus-design/ |work=The Edinburgh Reporter |access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |date=12 February 2018 |title=Public to choose new wild animal theme for Lothian bus fleet |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/people/public-choose-new-wild-animal-theme-lothian-bus-fleet-589052 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref> A giraffe print design was added to the fleet in 2021 following the opening of the zoo's giraffe house.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stephen |first=Phyllis |date=11 July 2021 |title=Lothian buses – new design with high impact |url=https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2021/07/lothian-buses-new-design-with-high-impact/ |work=The Edinburgh Reporter |access-date=17 March 2022}}</ref>

===Preserved vehicles===
{{main|List of Lothian Buses preserved vehicles}}
Many vehicles previously used by Lothian Buses and its predecessors have been preserved (or are awaiting preservation) by various groups and societies. Several of the vehicles regularly appear at events, rallies and running days around Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.<ref name="Vintage">{{cite news |last=Pooran |first=Neil |date=28 September 2019 |title=Here's when you can see vintage Lothian Buses vehicles in Edinburgh this weekend |work=Edinburgh Live |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/best-in-edinburgh/whats-on-news/lothian-buses-vintage-running-day-16998604 |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref><ref name="Vintage Running Day">{{cite web |date=3 April 2019 |title=Lothian Easter Vintage Running Day 2019 |url=https://www.lothianbuses.com/news/2019/04/lothian-easter-vintage-running-day-2019/ |publisher=Lothian Buses |access-date=6 January 2021}}</ref>

==Vehicle tracking==
Lothian Buses are active members of the Bustracker system and are responsible for the funding of it as well as being partly responsible for the operation of it.<ref name="Bustracker">{{cite web|url=http://www.mybustracker.co.uk/?page=Partners|title=My Bustracker partners|access-date=31 August 2011|location=United Kingdom}}</ref> It operates by tracking the movements of buses; computers then relay this information to the designated bus tracker signs throughout the city giving real-time and more up-to-date information on when buses are due to the passengers.<ref name="The City of Edinburgh Council">{{cite web|url=http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/1525/journey_planning_and_timetables/456/track_your_bus|title=Bus Tracker Goes Live This November|date=1 November 2004|publisher=The City of Edinburgh Council|access-date=3 December 2009|location=Scotland|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418112648/http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/1525/journey_planning_and_timetables/456/track_your_bus|archive-date=18 April 2012}}</ref>

In December 2009, it was announced that following the success of Bustracker, an application had been developed for the [[iPhone]] that is similar to the way Bustracker works. It allows people to download an application to their iPhone that enables them to see where their nearest bus stop is and when the bus is due. Although not developed by Lothian Buses or The City of Edinburgh Council, the application has now won the backing of both organisations.<ref name="Edinburgh Evening News">{{cite news|url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/latestnews/Software-innovator-touches-on-new.5875287.jp|title=Software innovator touches on new way to keep track of Capital's buses|last1=Marshall|first1=Chris|last2=Fraser |first2=Gemma |date=2 December 2009|newspaper=Edinburgh Evening News|access-date=3 December 2009|location=Scotland}}</ref> ''My Bus Edinburgh'' is an application developed for the [[Android (operating system)|Android]] platform which is similar in functionality to the iPhone application. Like the iPhone application, this application is developed by an independent developer, backed by Lothian Buses and The City of Edinburgh Council, and is available free of charge.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.org.rivernile.edinburghbustracker.android&hl=en |title=My Bus Edinburgh – Official – Android Apps on Google Play |access-date=28 December 2012}}</ref>

In August 2010, the company introduced an early running alarm system for drivers, which is linked into the automatic [[vehicle tracking system]], and sounds an alarm and displays warning messages if the bus is running early.<ref name=LothianBusesEarlyRunningWarningIntroduced>{{cite web|url=http://www.lothianbuses.com/more-info/news/general-news/445-drivers-get-the-beep.html |title=Drivers Get the Beep! |publisher=Lothian Buses |date=26 August 2010 |access-date=17 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100829190303/http://www.lothianbuses.com/more-info/news/general-news/445-drivers-get-the-beep.html |archive-date=29 August 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was as a result of the company being fined £10,500 by the Traffic Commissioner for Scotland, having been found to be running buses early. After a customer complaint, [[Vehicle and Operator Services Agency]] monitored services 4, 16, 27 and 45 in February 2010, and found that of 303 instances, 44 buses were running early, despite starting the route on time, while 20 were running late. The company's defence was that they had built in some running time to cope with the delays due to tram works, but in some places, these works had ended early. The Commissioner accepted this defence, and chose not to take action against the company's operating licence (which authorises a maximum of 700 vehicles). Instead the Commissioner imposed a fine set much lower than the legal maximum (calculated as £550 * 700 vehicles = £385,000)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414794&SubjectId=11m|title=Lothian Buses fined £10,500 by Traffic Commissioner|publisher=[[Central Office of Information]]|author=Office of the Traffic Commissioner (Scotland)|date=30 July 2010|access-date=17 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308200700/http://nds.coi.gov.uk/content/detail.aspx?NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414794&SubjectId=11|archive-date=8 March 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The company also supplies data to the Transport for Edinburgh open data service,<ref>{{cite web |title=Live vehicle locations · TFE Open Data API |url=https://tfe-opendata.readme.io/docs/live-bus-positions |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=TFE Open Data API }}</ref> which supplies vehicle location data to sites such as [[bustimes.org]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Data sources – bustimes.org |url=https://bustimes.org/data |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=bustimes.org}}</ref>

==In media==
Lothian Buses' Marine depot was used as a location for the ''[[CBeebies]]'' children's programme ''[[Me Too! (TV series)|Me Too!]]'' under the name of ''Riversea Buses''. The company's staff also feature in the programme, aired between 2006 and 2008. Of Lothian Buses' participation in the series, the company's then [[chief executive officer]] [[Neil Renilson]] said "It's a good opportunity to keep public transport in the eye of the next generation of customers."<ref name="Vallely">{{cite news |last=Vallely|first=Joanna|date=14 February 2006|title=What's the story? Balamory makers hop on bus to Capital |url=http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/edinburgh/Whats-the-story-Balamory-makers.2750830.jp|work=Edinburgh Evening News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603113238/http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/what-s-the-story-balamory-makers-hop-on-bus-to-capital-1-980801|archive-date=3 June 2016|access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.lothianbuses.com/our-services/east-coast-buses/ East Coast Buses website]
* [https://www.lothianbuses.com/our-services/lothian-country/ Lothian Country website]

{{Bus operators in Scotland}}
{{Transport in Edinburgh}}

[[Category:Bus operators in Scotland]]
[[Category:City Sightseeing]]
[[Category:Companies owned by municipalities of Scotland]]
[[Category:Transport companies established in 1919]]
[[Category:Transport in East Lothian]]
[[Category:Transport in Edinburgh]]
[[Category:Transport in Midlothian]]
[[Category:Transport in West Lothian]]
[[Category:1919 establishments in Scotland]]