Edinburgh Bus Lane Trial Delayed to 2026 Affecting Public Transport

Edinburgh's long-delayed trial of 7-7-7 bus lanes, which would extend bus lane hours to 7am-7pm seven days a week, has been postponed again to February 2026 due to issues with traffic regulation orders and funding difficulties. The scheme, first proposed in 2015 and intended to improve public transport efficiency and reduce congestion, was originally set to begin in early 2025 but has faced numerous setbacks including the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed consultation results. Currently, most of Edinburgh's bus lanes only operate during weekday peak hours, but changing travel patterns since Covid have prompted calls for longer operating times. Council officers have sought funding from Transport Scotland's Bus Infrastructure Fund but have yet to receive confirmation, forcing the council to consider alternative plans. Green councillors expressed disappointment over the repeated delays, warning the postponement will exacerbate congestion problems on the city's bus network. The council remains committed to the trial, recognizing its importance in making public transport more reliable and efficient.