Have Your Say on Plans to Improve Bus Travel on the A701
People who live, work, study or travel along the A701 are being encouraged to share their views on making bus journeys faster, easier and more reliable between Gowkley Moss roundabout and the Straiton Interchange.
Transport interchange
The project includes exploring new options for transport interchanges, such as Park and Ride sites. This work is especially important because the lease for the current Park and Ride at Straiton (owned by the City of Edinburgh Council) ends in May 2027.
Timeline
The survey is open until Sunday 22 March.
Other proposals
Possible improvements being considered include:
- Adding short bus lanes near Straiton Retail Park to give buses priority in busy traffic
- Removing a bus layby so buses can pull away faster
- Upgrading bus stops, including adding real‑time information screens
- Improving or installing new bus shelters to make waiting more comfortable
- Reducing the number of bus stops where several sit very close together to shorten journey times
- Updating road markings so bus stops are clearer and less likely to be blocked
In the future, more pedestrian crossing points may also be added to help people reach bus stops safely.
Making travelling more convenient
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for active travel, Councillor Colin Cassidy said: “By filling in the survey you will be helping create a route where buses can move more smoothly, are less affected by traffic, and are easier for everyone to use. The aim is to make travelling by bus a more attractive and convenient choice, helping more people reach school, work and leisure activities conveniently and quickly.”
Other ways to fill in the survey
Paper copies of the survey are also available at Loanhead, Roslin and Penicuik Libraries. Ask library staff if you need the survey in another format.