Lothian Buses will halt all evening journeys due to commence after 1930hrs on Wednesday 17 March as part of a ‘zero tolerance’ response to escalating incidents of attacks on its drivers and vehicles and other antisocial behaviour. The measure also includes routes operated by its East Coast Buses and Lothian Country brands. Night bus services are planned to run as normal.
Evening services are expected to resume on 18 March, but the operator says that will be kept under review. Buses will be diverted away from “any area targeted by further attacks until it is safe to return.” The incidents have been occurring for “months,” it adds.
The Herald has reported that 18 people have been arrested for attacks on Lothian buses. One incident involved a brick breaking a window and landing in the wheelchair and buggy area. In another, a driver was assaulted after leaving his vehicle to challenge a group of people that were interfering with it. On one evening, eight buses were attacked, The Herald continues.
Lothian Buses and Police Scotland are working together through Operation Proust in an attempt to tackle the problem. Earlier in March the operator temporarily withdrew services from one part of Edinburgh after 1900hrs after what it says was “a serious incident.”
Lothian Buses Operations Director Sarah Boyd has described the attacks as “appalling.” She adds: “Driver and customer safety it our absolute priority and it is with deep regret that we have to take this action.
“I would like to thank Police Scotland for all its efforts in helping us to maintain services thus far. I also thank our customers and all our colleagues for their continued support and patience.”
