A PETITION launched by Scots for a new coastal bus route from the capital has reached over 1,000 signatures in just a day.
The petition was set up yesterday in the hopes of establishing a route connecting Edinburgh’s Leith district to Musselburgh.
Since being set up, the petition has gained over 1,200 signatures from locals with an express interest in the proposed route.
Petition organisers highlighted the lengthy journey times between the district of the capital and the East Lothian town, which lies just over 6 miles from Edinburgh.
They also expressed frustration with the lack of a direct bus route, calling on the East Lothian Council and the City of Edinburgh Council to establish a route serving the coastal communities.
Petition organisers said driving between Musselburgh and Leith takes up to half an hour while public transport options take an hour.
They highlighted the numerous benefits of a route between the coastal towns and the capital, claiming: “Improve connectivity: Connect coastal communities, facilitating easier access to employment, education and leisure opportunities.
“Reduce travel times: Offer a faster and more direct alternative to existing, indirect routes.
“Sustainable transport: Encourage a shift away from private car use, reducing congestion and promoting environmentally friendly travel.
“Community building: Strengthen ties between coastal communities and foster a sense of shared identity.
“Proposed toute: A bus route that runs frequently (at least every 30 minutes) between Newhaven and Musselburgh, with stops including: Newhaven, The Shore, Portobello Joppa, Musselburgh.”
Petition organisers added: “The lack of a direct coastal bus route forces passengers to rely on infrequent services, circuitous routes, and multiple transfers going into and out of the city, making journeys unnecessarily long and discouraging travel between these vibrant communities.”
The petition can be found here.
