NIGHT bus services are set to return to Aberdeen in a bid to help people get home “safely and affordably”, the council has confirmed.
Aberdeen City Council announced it has awarded First Bus a contract to provide services for five routes from the city centre on weekends from the evening of Friday, June 27, for the next three years.
The reintroduction of the night bus services follows on from the successful pilot service over the 2024 festive season.
All services will operate on Friday night and early Saturday morning and Saturday night and early Sunday morning only, from midnight to approximately 3.30am.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard welcomed the news as he said it will help support businesses in the area and will give people more choice on how they will get home.
He 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.”
The night bus services will be funded by bus lane enforcement revenue.
The local authority said single fares will apply on the service and that people will be allowed to use both concessionary and Under 22’s National Entitlement Cards on the service.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill added the service will be launched in time for the popular Tall Ship Races which is due to set sail from Saturday, July 19, to Tuesday July 22.
He 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.”
The routes announced for the service are as follows:
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N1, City Centre (Alford Place) – Danestone, via Seaton; Dubford and Ashwood
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N17, City Centre (Union Terrace) – Inverurie, via Great Northern Road, Bucksburn & Dyce
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N23, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Kingswells, via Summerhill and Sheddocksley
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N201, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Banchory, via Mannofield; Cults; Bieldside; Milltimber; and Peterculter
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N18, City Centre (Bridge Street) – Cove/Charleston via Kincorth.
David Adam, head of operations at First Bus Aberdeen, welcomed the new service as he 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.”
