A multi-million-pound initiative aimed at enhancing bus travel in Aberdeen has garnered substantial backing from residents. Almost 60% indicated they would utilise the services, while participants agreed that it would enhance access to important regional locations.
There was also considerable endorsement for various stop features that the project would incorporate, including level boarding, real-time travel updates, off-board ticketing, and high-quality waiting areas.
The plan will also include priority bus lanes and signal priority, as well as mobility hubs to offer park and ride options.
The recent outreach helped identify community concerns, which included possible gaps in network coverage, cycling provision strategies, and overall value for money. Nestrans has stated that the feedback will directly influence the next phase of development, shaping design improvements, refining proposals, and ensuring they align with the broader transport network, in addition to guiding further outreach.
Councillor Michael Hutchison, Chair of Nestrans said: “We are very pleased with what we have heard back from this engagement. It is encouraging that the majority of people agree plans for Aberdeen Rapid Transit would improve public transport in our city and in our region.
“The responses we have received will be very helpful as we take the next steps to delivering the modern public transport network that people want and that our region deserves.
“Public transport is for the public, so it’s important they can have their say and they can help shape Aberdeen Rapid Transit. That engagement, with the public and other stakeholders, will continue as this project moves forward.
The engagement was undertaken to help inform the next stage of the Outline Business Case which will be produced in spring 2027.
Development efforts are backed by funding from the Aberdeen City Region Deal, in collaboration with Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Nestrans, and the North East Bus Alliance.
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Councillor Anne Stirling, Chair of the Aberdeen City Region Joint Committee, added: “I very much welcome the feedback received through our community engagement to date.
“The valuable insights shared by residents, businesses and stakeholders will directly inform the next phase of work, guiding design development, refining the proposals, shaping how the system integrates with the wider transport network and helping us plan further engagement as the project progresses.
“To ensure Aberdeen Rapid Transit truly reflects local priorities and aspirations, I would encourage everyone to stay involved and continue sharing their views as we move forward together.”
