First Bus and Stagecoach partner to offer free weekend travel in Aberdeen throughout January 2024

Credit: First Bus

First Bus and Stagecoach have announced that they have partnered to provide free bus travel every Saturday and Sunday in January 2024 across Aberdeen city and shire.

The initiative stems from the cost savings realised following the introduction of new bus gates in the city centre. These measures have already significantly improved journey times for over 600,000 monthly commuters, signalling a positive impact on overall transport efficiency.

Both First Bus and Stagecoach have committed to reinvesting the savings generated by the new bus priority measures directly into benefits for their customers. The free travel offer is anticipated to be the precursor to further enhancements if bus priority measures are expanded in Aberdeen.

The primary aim of the free travel offer is to alleviate financial burdens during a typically challenging month and encourage more individuals to utilise public transportation, subsequently boosting foot traffic in the city centre. The new bus priority measures have not only reduced pollution and congestion but have also cut journey times by up to 25%, leading to improved punctuality and reliability for passengers.

Aberdeen City Council highlights success of new bus priority routes

Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Bus Scotland, said: “We understand January can be a difficult month for people for many different reasons, and we felt this offer was a great way to reinvest the savings we are seeing from the new bus priority measures in the city centre while also encouraging more people to take the bus more often.”

David Beaton, Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland, said: “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, whilst encouraging modal shift to more sustainable forms of transport.”

The free bus travel will be available on specific dates in January: 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th. Concession card holders are required to scan their cards during the offer period to avail of the benefit. This initiative reflects the commitment of both operators to create a more sustainable, efficient and affordable public transportation system for Aberdeen.