Dyce Park and Ride opens to buses on Monday
27 January 2017
Buses are to start using the new £15.2million Dyce Park and Ride on Monday after the next phase of the site was completed, Aberdeen City Council announced today.
Stagecoach’s 727 service is to start using the 1,000-space facility as part of its route to Union Square bus station up to every 10 minutes, and First Aberdeen will shortly announce plans to serve the site with a brand new service
The facility, which has a bus turning circle along with the dual carriageway link connecting the A96 Aberdeen to Inverurie road at Craibstone to Dyce Drive, has been designed so people can park there for free and choose which mode of environmentally-friendly transport to use for the remainder of their journey – bus, car-share, cycling or walking. Motorists are allowed to park for a maximum of 36 hours.
Aberdeen City Council is investing in the project in the latest of a series of infrastructure improvements to tackle congestion and reduce journey times It is part of a wider strategic plan to connect with other major infrastructure projects which are designed to transform moving around the city including the AWPR/B-T, the Berryden Corridor, and the third Don crossing which was opened last June.
Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing said: “It is fantastic that this crucial piece of roads infrastructure is going to be in use from Monday.
“We’d urge people to use the £15.2million Dyce Park and Ride as it means you don’t have to park in town, and with the bus lanes along the route from the airport, it’s a faster journey. Less cars means less congestion on the A96.
“The development will also provide a boost for the region’s economy by freeing up prime development land close the airport and the AWPR.
“Along with the Third Don Crossing and the Berryden Corridor improvements, this is just the latest in a series of major projects which will improve journey times for motorists and bus passengers.”
Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland, said: "We are delighted to begin serving the new Park and Ride site from Monday.
“We have seen great success with the Park and Ride in Ellon and will look forward to welcoming more people on board our buses which will help ease traffic congestion within Aberdeen.
“Travel from Dyce Park and Ride to the city centre costs just £3 which is the most affordable ticket for bus travel in Aberdeen city, this ticket is valid for unlimited travel on any of our buses throughout the city for the day."
Daniel Laird, Commercial Manager for First Aberdeen, said: “It’s great to see the new site will open after the work and investment from our partners. We look forward to announcing very soon the full details of our exciting plans to introduce a brand new bus service to the Park & Ride site.
First Aberdeen is committed to working with our partners such as Aberdeen City Council to reduce congestion and attract more people to bus services across the city. We hope this new facility will encourage drivers to park and use the bus network to travel hassle-free to the city centre.”
The Dyce development will provide space for up to 1,000 vehicles, as well as waiting accommodation, and cycle lockers and showering facilities. Initially, the car parking and bus stop areas only will be open to the public. The waiting accommodation and cycle shelters are due to be open within a few weeks.
The road element of the scheme which included a three-lane dual carriageway and cycle lanes, was opened last August so traffic could use it straight away.