The 34 bus route, and bus stop location

The Community Council recently asked Lothian Buses what their plans are for the No. 34 bus.

In September 2022, the new bus route taking the 34 down Restalrig Road, through Links Gardens, and down Salamander Place before proceeding along to Ocean Terminal was introduced. For some reason, it was described as having been ‘re-routed’ or ‘diverted’ from Constitution Street due to the tramworks (although in fact there never was a 34 on Constitution Street, though there was at one time a 12, and of course the 16).

We were initially told that the 34 would eventually travel via Queen Charlotte Street and the north end of Constitution Street once the end of the tramworks made that possible. Now that the works are nearly over and the roadway is clear, we wondered if the route of the 34 would change?

A number of local residents have been asking about this. Some are keen to see a bus on Constitution Street again, while others have pointed out that the Salamander Place route actually delivers a much needed service to the large population of people who live in the new homes (e.g. the RopeWorks) around Salamander Place, with many more new residents set to move into the new flats being built on Salamander Street / Baltic Street.

Below is the reply we received from Lothian Buses:

34 Bus – Leith Links

Lothian service 34 continues to be diverted via Salamander Place.

Lothian have not been advised of a date when Constitution Street will be suitable for buses.  The route via Salamander Street has proven to be popular with customers and Lothian is in discussions with the Council’s public transport team regarding the possibility of permanent bus stops that would allow the service to operate via Salamander Street in the future.  Lothian do not have a timescale or any further detail on this at present.    

Lothian is committed to delivering for all of our customers – we will publicise any changes as soon as we are in a position to do so.

Gaynor Marshall
Communications Director

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The mention of bus stops raises a new and important question. If the current route is kept, and bus stops are to be made permanent, we want to be sure the stops are in the ‘right place’ to be most useful to bus users. If you have views on the best location for 34 bus stops around the Links, please let us know in the Comments below, or in an email to contact@leithlinkscc.org.uk