Stagecoach announces revisions for Aberdeenshire routes
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Stagecoach is proposing to make changes to some services in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, which would come into affect on October 31 and is seeking comment from service users.
They are inviting customers to give feedback on proposed changes to timetables, as public feedback received during consultation has shaped the local bus network, offering better connections for the local communities to the places that matter most to them.
The details of the proposed changes are as follows –
West Aberdeenshire (Inverurie, Kintore, Blackburn, Kemnay, Alford)
Service 9 (Inverurie-Aberdeen) effectively replaces the additional journeys on service 10 operating between Inverurie and Aberdeen, which were introduced in 2020. A small number of journeys operating between Keith and Aberdeen will also be withdrawn (the core service from Keith to Aberdeen and Elgin is not affected).
Service 37 (Inverurie-Aberdeen) will be revised to operate between Inverurie and Kintore only, with additional stops at Kintore Railway Station to allow customers to connect to rail services.
Service X20 (Alford-Kemnay-Aberdeen) will offer faster journeys into the city centre via Hilton and Westburn. maintaining a direct connection to Aberdeen. The section of route covering Berryden Retail Park will be withdrawn due to very low usage.
Services in Alford and Kemnay will be revised as all journeys will operate as X20, connecting with Kintore and Aberdeen via the faster route described. This will provide a faster, more consistent service for these communities, with the removal of stopping restrictions previously enforced on certain journeys.
Service 22 (Inverurie town service) is regrettably proposed to be withdrawn.
This service previously operated under contract to Aberdeenshire Council, but was replaced by the Ready2Go Demand Responsive service in August 2021. Stagecoach Bluebird agreed to continue operating a more limited timetable on service 22 as a trial following customer feedback. However, it is clear that passenger numbers on service 22 cannot cover the costs of operation, which is no longer sustainable.
Customers will still be able to travel on the Ready2Go service or alternative Stagecoach services.
Westhill
Service 4, 5 and 6 (Aberdeen-Westhill) will offer faster and more consistent journey times for all customers following the successful revamp of the Westhill/Countesswells – Kingswells P&R – Aberdeen corridor in 2020. The biggest benefit will be seen by customers travelling from Kingswells Park & Ride, with journey times to the city centre of just 27 minutes through the day.
They are also proposing to make some adjustments to early morning and late evening services, as well as those serving Prime Four and TotalEnergies to reflect customer demand.
Aberdeen City
Service 727 (Aberdeen Airport – P&J Live – Aberdeen city centre) will see a revised timetable which will improve punctuality and offer a more consistent experience to customers, following extensive analysis of traffic patterns on the route. There are no changes proposed to the frequency of the service, which will continue to offer convenient connections to the Airport, local business parks, P&J Live and the Great Northern Road corridor
Service 59 (Balnagask-Northfield) is proposed to operate a revised frequency on Saturdays, with journeys operating every 15 minutes most of the day. This change reflects the level of demand on the service, following the significant increase in capacity for the service, which now operates exclusively with double deck vehicles.
Feedback can be submitted by emailing bluebird.support@stagecoachbus.com before Sunday, September 11 or at one of the consultation events which are as follows -
Wednesday, August 31 - Union Square Bus Station, Aberdeen 8am - 11am.
Thursday, September 1- Village Hall, Kemnay 3pm - 6pm.
Friday, September 2 - Union Square Bus Station, Aberdeen 3pm - 6pm.
Monday September 5 - Inverurie Town Hall, Inverurie 3pm - 6pm.
Wednesday, September 7 - Alford Hall, Alford 3pm - 6pm.
