Bus lane hours extended in local trial
A trial extending bus lane operating hours between Milton Road East and London Road began on 12 October 2026 to test whether longer hours can cut bus delays.
A new trial to assess whether bus journey times and reliability can be improved by extending bus lane hours began on 12 October 2026, according to Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.
The trial applies between Milton Road East and London Road, where bus lane times have been extended to operate between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said. Current bus lane times are peak only, running from 7.30am to 9.30am and 4pm to 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
The changes are intended to test whether longer bus lane hours can help reduce delays for buses along the route, in turn encouraging people to choose public transport and improving the experience for those who rely on buses, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said.
The trial route is used by several services including the number 44, which Lothian Buses has identified as one of the services most affected by delays and reliability issues outside current bus lane operating hours. Initial data analysis shows that bus journey times on part of the route have increased by 22% since 2019, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said travel behaviour is changing and bus demand is increasing, leading to delays outside of traditional peak periods, adding that the trial will help assess whether extended bus lane hours can reduce journey times on one of the busiest routes. He said: “Thanks to the nature of the trial we’ll be able to carry out real-world monitoring of traffic impacts and network performance, alongside feedback from the public.”
The 18-month trial is being introduced through an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, which provides an opportunity to monitor the effects of the changes and gather evidence before recommendations are made on longer-term arrangements, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said. Monitoring will include bus journey times, traffic surveys, parking and loading surveys, business surveys and feedback from residents and other stakeholders, with the first six months also serving as a consultation period.
During the trial, some parking and loading restriction times will change, and people are encouraged to check signs and road markings and find out more about the trial on the Council website, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce said.