A CAMPAIGN to promote businesses across Buchan while incentivising people to utilise local bus services to explore the area has been launched by Stagecoach Bluebird.
#OnYourBusStop encourages individuals and families to explore the local area and consider the benefits of bus travel for their everyday needs, from commuting to shopping and running errands, while benefiting from exclusive offers and capitalising on the advantages of bus travel from affordability to environmental benefits.
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Following the success of #OnYourBusStop Moray last year, the campaign has wheeled its way to Buchan, gathering support from businesses across the region to form a directory of partner offers, deals and discounts, exclusively available to bus users.
The campaign launch follows the recent re-opening of Peterhead bus station after it underwent a £250,000 makeover, funded by Nestrans and other partners of Aberdeenshire Council. A vital link for transport in the north-east with buses regularly running to Fraserburgh, Aberdeen and other destinations, the station now features new bus shelters, seating areas, planters and a colourful mural.
Cllr Alan Turner, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “There can be no doubt that taking the bus offers everyone a safe, comfortable and very accessible solution – and not just non-drivers. Our local bus services continue to offer a very cost-effective and environmentally-friendly option for us all. This campaign not only provides people with an excellent way of experiencing local activities and visiting attractions, it will encourage people to embrace bus travel for commuting, shopping and visiting friends and family across Aberdeenshire.”
With a newly refurbished station, Stagecoach has commissioned #OnYourBusStop to encourage new visitors to the area to show off all the region has to offer.
#OnYourBusStop Buchan partner deals, ranging from free coffee to experience discounts of up to 50% off, will be accessible only to Stagecoach bus users throughout September and October 2023.
A diverse range of partners have already signed up with enticing offers, including Aden Country Park, Coffee Apothecary and Wheelie World, highlighting the abundance of activities, experiences and places accessible by bus throughout Buchan.
Free to sign up, partnering businesses are listed on the campaign’s website and will be promoted across social media.
Daniel Laird, Commercial Director for Stagecoach Bluebird, said: “We have already welcomed a fantastic variety of partners on board the campaign and look forward to seeing many more local businesses joining the initiative as we encourage people to explore more from their bus stop. It’s free to become a partner, all we ask is that you offer an incentive for bus users to visit you. Perhaps you want to offer a secret menu item, or a unique addition for those utilising the scheme. The more unusual the better, so feel free to be creative. This is a great opportunity, particularly for small businesses, to gain some additional exposure over the next few months.
“We encourage anyone interested in exploring the region to do so by bus and utilise the local services, it’s a great way to see the sights, and with fuel prices soaring, taking the bus offers an affordable and environmentally friendly option.
“The #OnYourBusStop directory is filled with fantastic offers from wonderful businesses so please do have a browse on our website www.onyourbusstop.co.uk and make one of them your next stop!”
All young people and children aged between 5 and 21 living in Scotland can apply to join the Young Person’s Free Bus Travel Scheme, an initiative from the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland. Over 60s can also travel free with their concession card. For everyone else, the Stagecoach app is the best place to find and buy from a range of day tickets to help you explore.
#OnYourBusStop offers will be available to claim until the end of October. To redeem offers, bus users must show a valid ticket purchased on the day of claim or provide proof of online purchase for tickets bought online or through the Stagecoach app.
To search #OnYourBusStop partner deals and offers or to sign your business up as a partner, visit www.onyourbusstop.co.uk.
