The C19 Service is run on a 'not for profit' basis, by a small group of volunteers who recognised a need in the community for people to have access to public transport to Edinburgh, especially from rural areas. The primary aim was to reduce social isolation amongst residents who had no other means of transport available to enable them to travel to Edinburgh for social outings, shopping, attending events and visiting friends in hospital. It was required because commercial operators had withdrawn routes due to them not being profitable. The group formed a Registered Charity, worked tirelessly to seek funding to set up a Community Bus Service, worked with Falkirk Council Transport team to ensure that measures were in place to comply with all regulatory bodies. In May 2017, 9 months after the first meeting, 2 x 16 seater minibuses were leased and the Community Bus Service was launched. In October 2018 a third bus was added to the Fleet.
The second aim was to provide a public transport route for residents in Edinburgh and tourists to the city, to have access to the many local attractions in the Bo'ness area. For instance, there is no other public transport service available to tourists visiting Edinburgh to access one of the main Outlander TV series filming sites at Blackness Castle. The C19 bus also enables visitors to walk on the famous John Muir Way, which stretches 134 miles across Scotland's heartland. The Hippodrome in Bo'ness is the oldest purpose built cinema in Scotland, which was built in 1912. It is a fabulous building with digital surround sound and a year-round programme of the latest films plus a world-renowned Silent Film Festival each year.
Bo'ness is also home to the Bo’ness & Kinneil Steam Railway and the attached Railway Museum, both of which attract thousands of visitors to the area and is also a filming location for the Outlander TV series. The Kinneil Estate and Museum are also situated on the bus route within the town and sits on the Antonine Way. The estate is a 200 acre historic parkland, with museum, Roman Fort and 15th century House. The Estate is home to the 'James Watt workshop', where his initial work on the first type of steam engine to make use of a separate condenser was created. The work started in 1763 and is where the name of a 'watt' as a unit of power was derived. For enthusiasts, there is also a Motor Museum with Classic cars and memorabilia including famous film cars: James Bond, Harry Potter, 51st State and many more.
The third aim of the Trustees was to reduce the barriers to employment by giving local people access to work in, and enroute to, Edinburgh. To that end the Trustees commenced a new early morning service and later afternoon return, from September 2018. This has resulted in 5 return services a day Monday to Friday and 4 return services on a Saturday.
The scheduled route also enables visitors to access Waverley/Haymarket Train Stations, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Zoo, the road end at Edinburgh Airport, the Royal Highland Show Ground and the hotels at Ratho on the A8 route, plus The House of the Binns near the village of Blackness.
Senior Passengers with Scottish Entitlement Cards and those with a Disabled Concession, travel free on the service and child tickets are available between 5-16 years of age. A second child travels free with 2 adult fare paying passengers.
For further information on the service with all price lists, full list of stops and timetables please access the website at http//:bonesscommunitybus.scot.
Timetables are also available on Traveline Scotland.
A 16 seater minibus is also available for hire to take groups on outings, Airport transfers, weddings or other celebrations. Please contact us through our Website, Facebook page or by telephone.
Finally, in our first year we have welcomed passengers from across the globe, spanning 5 continents! Please help to support our charity by using our Volunteer-led Community Bus Service.
