New bus journeys to improve access to work at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary 

 

Midlothian Council has secured £245,000 to improve bus links to key employment opportunities, including Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, making it easier for residents to get to work and training. 

The funding, awarded by the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran), will support new and improved bus services until 31 March 2027.  

New Journeys

As part of the plans, Lothian Buses will introduce two new early morning and evening routes and add an extra journey to an existing service will be extended: 

• New service (Service 37A): Penicuik – Roslin – Loanhead – Royal Infirmary 
  Two morning journeys and one return journey in the evening, seven days a week 

• New service (Service 39A): Rosewell – Bonnyrigg – Dalkeith – Royal Infirmary 
  Two morning journeys and one return journey in the evening, seven days a week 

• Improved service (Service 48): Gorebridge – Newtongrange – Mayfield – Dalkeith – Royal Infirmary – Fort Kinnaird – Musselburgh 
  One morning journey, Monday to Saturday 

The new journeys are set to be introduced in Autumn 2026.  

Supporting employability

These changes will improve access to jobs, training and the wider public transport network, particularly in areas where options are currently limited. The services are aimed at supporting residents who face barriers to travel, including cost and availability, and will help parents and jobseekers reach new opportunities. 

Improved links to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, a major regional employer, will also support NHS recruitment and retention. 

The funding runs until 31 March 2027, with the aim of establishing services that can become financially self-sustaining in future. 

Benefits community and local economy

Councillor Colin Cassidy, Midlothian Council Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We know that limited public transport options can make getting to work, especially for early or late shifts, more difficult for some residents. 

“Therefore, I’m delighted that Midlothian Council has secured funding to deliver two new bus services and an extra journey on an existing service. 

“These new and improved bus services to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary will make journeys more reliable and affordable, helping residents access jobs, training and vital services. Just as importantly, they support families to increase their incomes and opportunities for the future. 

“This is a practical step that helps to connect our communities, encourages more people to use public transport and supports our local economy too.” 

Improving access

Ben Ritchie, Commercial Manager, Lothian said: “We are delighted to be working with Midlothian Council to introduce these journeys, benefiting employees at the Royal Infirmary at key shift times as well as the wider local community. This funding enables us to operate these journeys alongside our existing network, strengthening connectivity and improving access for those who rely on public transport.” 

Opening up opportunities

Brian Butler, Partnership Director at SEStran, said: “We are delighted to support these new bus routes to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Edinburgh Bioquarter through our Transport to Employment programme, supported by Scottish Government funding to tackle Child Poverty. 

“Transport plays a vital role in tackling child poverty. When parents and carers cannot afford or access reliable transport, it can prevent them from taking up work, training or education, even when opportunities exist. This can reduce household income, increase living costs and keep families trapped in poverty. 

“By funding services like this, we are helping more people in Midlothian access employment opportunities while also improving connections to essential healthcare. These new routes will make it easier for residents to get to work, training and appointments at the Royal Infirmary, opening up opportunities and improving access to essential services.”