NEW bus services introduced in the wake of First bus pulling out of the county have been praised.

East Coast Buses began services in the county earlier this month and, despite not offering weekly, monthly or annual tickets, their introduction appears to have been welcomed bymembers of the public.

A spokesman for the Rural East Lothian Bus Users (RELBUS), who held their AGM on Wednesday, told the Courier they were happy with passengers' comments so far.

He said: “RELBUS is delighted at the new bus services provided by East Coast Buses Ltd, and what response we have had so far from passengers, both in writing and verbally, is positive regarding the cleanliness of the buses, the mechanical state of the buses and the overall improved travelling experience.

“There have been some comments regarding connections at Haddington from the 104 service onward to Dunbar, and also rail connections at Longniddry, but it is difficult to get everything fitting in perfectly on day one and RELBUS wish passengers who do experience issues to make contact with them through their website.

“East Coast Buses are keeping a very close eye on time keeping and other matters. Although the buses are exact fare only, the new service complies with the East Lothian Bus Charter in that fares are readily available at all stops and on paper timetables, whereas previously they were not.

“A number of good fare deals are available incorporating travel within the Lothian Buses and Lothian Country Buses network which were not available previously.”

A spokesman for East Coast Buses, part of Lothian Buses, said: “It’s been a steady start to the new services and the response so far from staff and passengers has been very encouraging. We are making a long-term investment in East Lothian and we’d like to thank the local community for its support and patience during the start-up phase of our new operations.”