Whitburn Bus Campaign to save X33

Michael Connarty MP and Mary Mulligan MSP were in Whitburn at 7am this morning fighting to save the X33 commuter bus. The service is to be suddenly withdrawn from the 9th February to the fury and astonishment of local commuters who have turned to Michael and Mary with letters, emails and phonecalls in the last few days.

Michael Connarty said "This service helps commuters in Whitburn & Blackburn get to work before 9am in Edinburgh and is a vital service. I am very concerned that no alternative bus is to be provided and have taken this up with First Bus. The decision by the SNP Government in Edinburgh not to pass on the Chancellor's extra money for buses in the Bus Service Operator’s Grant (BSOG) in line with fuel duty further exacerbated the difficulties the buses are facing."

Mary Mulligan MSP said "I am shocked at this sudden announcement for my constituents in Fauldhouse, Whitburn, Blackburn & Seafield. This bus supports commuters get to work across West Lothian, including to St John's, as well as into work in Edinburgh. I wil be supporting the Bill in the Scottish Parliament to regulate the buses and I hope the SNP Government will stop opposing it". Cllr Jim Swan said "I have spoken to people who could lose their job if they lose their service due to the cavalier attitude of the company”

Angela Shaw of Whitburn was also there who said “I am raising a petition to save this vital service”

Alex Rutherford of Whitburn said “I need this service to get to my job in Chesser – the alternative is a two hour journey which would be a nightmare”

Photo Attached with Michael Connarty, Mary Mulligan, Cllr Jim Swan, Cllr George Paul, Cllr Neil Findlay and Angela Shaw. 7:15am Whitburn Cross

The X33 runs at 6:24am and 7:10am from Fauldhouse, through Whitburn, Blackburn, Seafield, Livingston and onto Edinburgh arriving at 7:46am and 8:42am respectively.