Friday February 20th 2026
Midlothian View reader Dean Wight has written this followup letter to the editor.
Dear Editor,
On the 22nd of February, Lothian Buses will increase fares across the region. Additionally they will remove the 46 service route automatically doubling / trebling their revenue from our residents, forcing them to get connection service route buses to access local healthcare facilities , Edinburgh Royal Infirmary , East of Edinburgh and Musselburgh, exploiting their monopoly in the area with a total disregard for our young, elderly, disabled and the local communities opposition to the decision.
In correspondence with our local MSP, Jeremy Balfour, it appears that this decision was reached with the sole aim of profit, with no local consultation or impact assessment carried out and with Lothian Buses refusing to share, with Jeremy, evidence of their rationale.
It would appear our councillors have created a monster with Lothian Buses, having no influence over them and with no apparent mechanism of compelling consultation and agreement with communities and councillors into Lothian Buses operating practise before withdrawal of vital bus service routes.
Lothian Buses creation of the new position of Chief Executive and their latest review of services appears to show that their only concern is to operate as a private entity with pure profit as the main driver and not customer focussed with the communities and their transport needs. I would appeal to all residents to sign the local petition for Lothian Buses to reconsider this withdrawal of our vital 46 route bus. CLICK HERE to sign the petition.
Regards,
Dean Wight
Rosewell
