Bus chief's 'tough year'

THE boss of Lothian Buses has warned of the "tough" commercial pressures facing the company.

Ian Craig's warning comes just days after the company launched a review of its services.

The rising price of diesel, a wider economic slowdown and tram roadworks have severely dented passenger numbers and profits at the council-backed bus firm in the last six months.

Writing in the firm's newsletter, he said: "This year is proving to be a tough one for the company both operationally and commercially. Most of the challenges we face are not of our own making.

"This means we need to continue to deliver a high standard of service to the travelling public."