Thousands of visitors heading for the spectacular Tall Ships Races Aberdeen can get on board with a bonanza of free bus travel to the spectacular event.
First Aberdeen are on deck with the event’s organisers in a campaign that will see 25,000 free Adult Day Tickets available while the beautiful vessels are berthed in the city from July 19 to 22.
In addition, First Aberdeen will offer a 50% discount for all customers on a range of tickets during the event, which is expected to attract 400,000 visits to Aberdeen.
The bus travel bounty – with Aberdeen City Council funding the 25,000 free tickets – is part of a wave of initiatives to minimise road congestion and reduce The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen carbon footprint.
Graeme Macfarlan, Commercial Director for First Bus Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Aberdeen City Council to offer 25,000 free bus journeys across the four days of the historic Tall Ships event coming to Aberdeen in July.
“It’s set to be a fantastic four days in the city and we’re hoping this brilliant free travel offer further encourages to choose sustainable public transport as their preferred method of travel. We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of passengers on board our services during the event.”
Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Aberdeen organising committee, said: “It's reassuring that the Tall Ships event will benefit from effective and strong partnership working with First Aberdeen. Their involvement helps to ensure that bus travel will be available cheaply, safely and speedily for the many thousands of spectators visiting the event. It is vital to get the transport arrangements right for everyone, especially around the harbour and city centre areas which are the focal points for visitors. Careful, detailed planning for buses and other forms of transport is underway so that all can enjoy the fantastic and memorable experience of the Tall Ships race 2025."
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “‘All aboard’ is a warm welcome that applies as much to buses as it does to ships... so what could be better than free bus tickets to get to the Tall Ships Races?
“This is a fantastic initiative that will make it so much easier for thousands of visitors to enjoy what will be one of the biggest and most vibrant events in Scotland this summer.
“Thanks are due to the council for funding these free tickets and First Aberdeen for the generous discounts that will also encourage people to take the bus to join the high tide of excitement and fun when the Tall Ships are here.”
Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “This collaborative effort to provide free and discounted bus travel reflects our shared commitment to making The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen accessible to all.
“We’re encouraging sustainable travel to ease congestion in the city and enhance the experience for the hundreds of thousands set to enjoy this magnificent maritime festival.”
Details of how to get a free Day Ticket will be released in advance of the event along with details on the 50% off incentive to all other customers which will be valid on digital platforms and throughout First Aberdeen’s Two Trip, Day, Three Day and 5 Day ticket range.
In addition to the treasure chest of free and discounted bus travel, event organisers are offering a tide of initiatives. These include:
• A free event shuttle bus will operate every 20 minutes from Union Terrace with a circular service taking in Tall Ships event spaces at the Port of Aberdeen, Petersons Seabase, King Street Funfair and Castlegate Discovery Zone and Union Terrace Military Village. The shuttle is primarily for those with reduced mobility but will be open to all.
• Additional blue badge parking and a free accessible shuttle bus service for blue badge holders available from Pittodrie Stadium, with shuttle services operating up to every 20 minutes. Places must be booked and blue badges must be on display to gain access.
• Four park and ride shuttle bus services from Bridge of Don P&R, Craibstone P&R, P&J Live (surface parking) and Kingswells P&R, with services running up to every 15 minutes. With limited capacity and expected demand, organisers are urging people to buy their tickets in good time.
• Spectators choosing to travel to the event by car or motorcycle should note that there will be limited on and off-street parking in Aberdeen and are advised to use public transport and the event park and ride sites.
For information on other active and sustainable travel options for travelling to and from the Tall Ships event, please visit: https://www.tallshipsaberdeen.com/event-information/accessibility-and-transport/