Operational savings generated by the introduction of bus gate priority measures in Aberdeen will allow First Aberdeen and Stagecoach North Scotland to provide free travel across the city and shire on weekends in January.
The two businesses say that the move “could be the sign of things to come” if bus priority measures are further improved in Aberdeen. Each committed to reinvest the savings generated by the bus gates, which are improving journey times for over 600,000 people in the city centre each month.
In a joint statement, the operators add that the bus gates have reduced journey times by up to 25%, improved reliability, and contributed to lower pollution and congestion in Aberdeen city centre. The priority measures received support from the Scottish Government’s Bus Partnership Fund.
Speaking about the free travel offer, Stagecoach North Scotland Managing Director David Beaton says: “This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to working together as local public transport providers to ensure a bright, clean and prosperous future for Aberdeen.
“Through providing free travel on our city services and within the Aberdeen commuter zone, we hope to give the city centre a boost during a challenging time of year, both for customers and local businesses, while encouraging modal shift to more sustainable forms of transport.”
Adds First Bus Scotland Commercial Director Graeme Macfarlan: “We are delighted to be able to offer free travel across all First Bus routes in Aberdeen throughout January, and the subsequent benefits that will bring to people travelling around the city.
“We understand that January can be a difficult month for people for many different reasons, and we felt that this offer was a great way to reinvest the savings we are seeing from the new bus priority measures in Aberdeen city centre while also encouraging more people to take the bus more often.
“Sustainable, reliable and affordable transport is a cornerstone of making any city centre a success, and we will continue to play our part alongside our investment in zero-emission vehicles, with nearly 50 in operation across the city.”
