SUBSIDISED bus routes in East Lothian are being reviewed with a public consultation on the services launched.

East Lothian Council is holding a series of public meetings to hear the views of residents who use the 11 services which are currently partly funded by the local authority.

It has also launched an online questionnaire covering the routes people use and condition of the vehicles provided on its consultation hub website.

Community meetings have already been held in Musselburgh, North Berwick and Tranent last week.

Meanwhile, meetings are held in Haddington Town House today (Thursday),11am-12.30pm, and the Bleachingfield Centre, Dunbar, tomorrow (Friday), 10-11.30am.

All the council’s subsidised services are under review, including one which goes from Haddington to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

The local authority said it currently subsidised services on routes where no alternative existed and which would not be commercially viable for bus operators. However, it added the current contracts for the services were due to be renewed, leading to the review, which is open until next Thursday (October 10) online.

A council spokesperson said: “East Lothian Council subsidises a number of bus services on routes where no alternative route exists, and where commercial bus operators would not be able to cover their costs if they delivered a service. This can either be a subsidy for the full route or for part of the day.

“The contract for supported bus services in East Lothian is due for renewal next spring. Ahead of the tender process starting, we are gathering the views of passengers and communities on these services.

“This is to ensure that their feedback is included and shapes the tender. We would encourage anyone with an interest in these bus services to take part in the consultation.”