We need coastal bus routes in Edinburgh and East Lothian

We, the undersigned, call on the City of Edinburgh Council and East Lothian Council to introduce dedicated and frequent bus routes serving coastal communities.

At present, there is no direct coastal bus route between North Leith and Musselburgh, or between North Leith and Cramond. This means that people often have to travel in and out of the city centre, change buses and spend far longer than necessary making journeys that are quick and straightforward by car.

This is not only inconvenient; it makes public transport a much less realistic option for people who do not drive, cannot drive, or are trying to reduce their car use. It also limits how easily people can travel between neighbouring communities for work, study, appointments, shopping, leisure, access to green and coastal spaces, or to see friends and family.

Coastal areas across Edinburgh and East Lothian have grown significantly in recent years, but public transport has not kept pace with the way people now live and move around the city’s edges. If councils are serious about reducing car use and supporting sustainable travel, bus routes need to reflect the journeys people actually need to make, not just routes in and out of the city centre.

We are asking for two frequent coastal bus routes:

1. North Leith to Musselburgh
2. North Leith to Cramond

These routes should be regular, reliable and coordinated at North Leith, so that passengers can move between services with minimal waiting time.

Suggested key stops and areas could include Musselburgh North High Street, Musselburgh High Street, Joppa, Portobello, Seafield Crematorium, Leith Links, The Shore and Ocean Terminal, with onward connections towards Cramond.

Dedicated coastal bus routes would reduce journey times, improve access between communities and make public transport a more practical, inclusive and sustainable option across Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Please sign and share this petition to support better coastal bus connections.