Lothian Buses attempt to improve services

After receiving a £10,500 fine from the Traffic Commissioner in July, Lothian Buses have installed new technology devices to warn them if they are early.

All Lothian buses been installed with a device which, when running over a minute early, advises: “Slow down, you’re early.” The message is accompanied by a warning buzzer which has been incorporated into the device.

The first warning comes two bus stops before a timing point and if the bus continues to run ahead of schedule a second warning is triggered which says: “Wait your time, you’re early.”

Lothian buses’ operational manager Alan Black said: ”The system upgrade to include the audible alert and messaging was relatively straightforward and so far has been working very well.

"We have had full co-operation from drivers and union officials, who think the installation is a great tool to enable them to provide the highest level of service punctuality and reliability for our passengers in Edinburgh and the Lothians.”

The new installations were developed with the help of INEO, the French based real-time passenger information specialist. The company has worked closely with Lothian buses for the past six years to ensure that all their buses were installed with the latest AVL equipment. The City of Edinburgh Council has also contributed to the development of the automatic vehicle location (AVL) system.

Lothian buses were fined after an investigation was held after just one complaint was made. Inspectors monitored several buses in Edinburgh between February and March and found that one in seven services were running ahead of schedule.

The investigation discovered that in Edinburgh, the company carried around 350,000 passangers everyday and therefore it was imperative that the correct standards were exercised when there as it was concluded there was no excuse for early running.