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Edinburgh Reporter

Survey proves the need for bus service to Ratho adventure centre

More than 1,000 people took part in a survey conducted by the Ratho Bus Working Group who say the conclusion is that there is a 'strong demand' for a direct public transport link from the city centre to Ratho. Part of the attraction in Ratho is the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena and also the Lost Shore Surf Resort which opened last year. Around 90% of people who responded said they would use public transport if services were improved. At present the connections are limited with a typical journey from Waverley to Ratho taking about 75 minutes with changes and a significant walk. This leads to 86% of visitors using private cars and only 7% using public transport. The campaign group are calling for a direct bus route to the city centre or a shuttle bus to Edinburgh Park, Newbridge or a nearby tram stop. Stacey O'Flaherty, a member of the Ratho Bus Working Group, said: 'This comprehensive survey gives a very clear message that there is strong demand for a direct bus route from Edinburgh City Centre to these excellent, world-class sports and leisure facilities as well as to the village of Ratho. This offers a great opportunity to reduce carbon emissions and vastly improve accessibility. Importantly, it would also give the residents of Ratho direct access to the city centre.' One respondent to the survey who is being considered for the Paralympic team for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles said: 'I am blind, therefore I cannot get to Ratho for judo training without assistance. No disabled person can travel here easily.' Alejandro Padró, ESG and Business Development Manager at Lost Shore Surf Resort, said: 'With world-class surfing and climbing facilities, we have a real adventure sports hub that already diversifies the city's tourism offering. If we had proper public transport options in place connecting us to Ratho and Edinburgh City Centre, there would be significantly more opportunities for local people to try out new sports for the first time and for tourists to enjoy something different as part of their trip. 'We have been working alongside the Ratho Bus Working Group for some time and encouraging our visitors to take part in the survey. The report highlights the demand for a direct public transport link. The group does fantastic work, and hopefully, the results of this survey make it clear to decision makers that there is unmistakable public demand.' The survey remains open and the campaign group says it is particularly looking for responses from people who have been unable to attend Lost Shore Surf Resort or the EICA. It can be completed here: Edinburgh's new Adventure Sports Hub in Ratho The summary report is here. Stacey O'Flaherty from Ratho Bus Working Group at the disused bus stop at the EICA A mock up of what a new bus serving the adventure sports hub could look like Like this: Like Related