A TAXI SERVICE has been proposed between Penicuik and West Linton to replace the cancelled late night 101/102 bus services.
Local MP, David Mundell, this week wrote to Scottish Borders Council urging them to underwrite the cost of the trial for the late night West Linton taxi service which has been proposed by West Linton Community Council.
Scottish Borders Council, which reduced its subsidy for the 101/102 route from £135k down to £35k, partners other local authorities in supporting the service from Dumfries to Edinburgh.
Mr Mundell has been working with local councillors and the West Linton Community Council to find a workable solution to maintain late night services to West Linton.
He said: “While I welcome the engagement from Scottish Borders Council with representatives of the Community Council, I am extremely disappointed the Council remains unwilling to fund, even on a trial basis, the taxi service option.”
Mr Mundell stated the Council should, at the very least, provide finance for the trial, and depending on the success of the trial, financial arrangements can be reviewed at a later date.
He added: “This proposal is a realistic way forward and will ensure a late service is provided to residents of West Linton. I am urging the Council to reconsider their position and finance the trial.”