Night buses to key destinations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are to be reintroduced next weekend – in plenty of time for the Tall Ships arriving.
After a tendering process, Aberdeen City Council has contracted the five routes out to First Bus which will operate them from the city centre on weekends from the evening of Friday 27 June for the next three years.
The provision of the night bus services will be funded from bus lane enforcement revenue. First Aberdeen’s single fares will apply on the service and allow the use of both Concessionary and Under 22’s National Entitlement Cards.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The night bus service over Christmas and New Year was popular. I am delighted the City Council is bringing night bus services back year-round. These services being in place in time for the Tall Ships arriving in the city is a real bonus.
“Over the Tall Ships weekend, many more people than normal are expected to be enjoying the cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the city centre. The night buses will provide safe and efficient transport for visitors to our city centre. I hope as many people as possible take advantage of this cost-effective and safe transport to get home.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “The return of the night buses will be welcomed by businesses in the city centre and are part of our Purple Flag status for city centre safety and vibrancy.
“The Aberdeen City Council move will help to support businesses by giving people another transport option for getting home.”
All services will operate on Friday night/Saturday morning and Saturday night/Sunday morning only, from 12midnight to approximately 3.30am.
David Adam, Head of Operations at First Bus Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to be working with Aberdeen City Council to launch this night bus service in Aberdeen, making it easier for people to get home later in the night, while continuing to support local businesses in the city.
“It’s important people have the confidence they will be able to get home safely and affordably when going to enjoy a meal, some drinks or a night out at one of the fantastic venues in the city centre. We hope the introduction of the new night bus routes will do just that.”
Aberdeen Inspired will also be promoting the Council-funded night buses.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “The return of weekend night buses to Aberdeen all year round is a huge boost for the city’s evening and night-time economy, one that will be particularly welcomed by bars and restaurants. We know many people avoid coming into the city centre for a night out because of uncertainty over getting home at the end of the evening. The weekend night bus service will now give people reassurance they can get home easily, affordably and safely. The same goes for those who work in our vital night-time economy.
“I would urge people to come into town and make the most of Aberdeen’s superb night-time offering, safe in the knowledge a night bus will get them home. I’m sure the city’s bars and restaurants will be promoting that same message to their customers and visitors. The more people use the night bus service, the more sustainable it will become and more likely to be a permanent and key part of the city's transport solutions.”
The services are
• N1, City Centre (Alford Place) – Danestone, via Seaton; Dubford and Ashwood;
• N17, City Centre (Union Terrace) – Inverurie, via Great Northern Road, Bucksburn & Dyce;
• N23, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Kingswells, via Summerhill and Sheddocksley;
• N201, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Banchory, via Mannofield; Cults; Bieldside; Milltimber; and Peterculter;
• N18, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Cove/Charleston via Kincorth.
The re-introduction of the night bus services follows on from the successful night bus service over the 2024 festive season.
Full route and timetable information is at Weekend Night Bus Services | Aberdeen City Council. Passenger should be aware there will be a commercial night bus service going to Westhill and Stonehaven by another operator, starting next month.