Free night buses to key destinations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are to operate on Hogmanay to help revellers get home from the city centre after the bells.
Aberdeen City Council is paying First Bus to operate the 10 routes from 12midnight on 31 December 2024 to about 3am on 1 January 2025.
The Hogmanay night bus is in addition to the existing weekend buses which are operating on weekends from Saturday 16 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
The Hogmanay night bus services are being funded from bus lane enforcement revenue.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The existing weekend night bus services have proved popular. I am delighted the Council has now been able to add free night buses on Hogmanay.
“So far thousands of people have used the free weekend nigh buses to travel to their homes in the city or Aberdeenshire.
“I hope as many people as possible take advantage of this free and safe transport home both for going out on Hogmanay and at weekends.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “More and more people are out enjoying the cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the city centre during the festive period and Hogmanay is always one of the busiest nights of the year.
“The Aberdeen City Council funding will help to support businesses by giving people another transport option for getting home safely on Hogmanay.”
Aberdeen Inspired is also promoting the Council-funded night buses services.
The services are
- N1, city centre – Dubford/Ashwood/Danestone, via King Street;
- N61, city centre – Ellon via Balmedie and Newburgh;
- N17, city centre – Bucksburn/Dyce, via Great Northern Road;
- N9, city centre – Inverurie, via Blackburn and Kintore, via Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI);
- N12, Torry – Northfield/Northfield - Torry, via city centre and Rosemount;
- N23, city centre – Kingswells, via Summerhill and Sheddocksley;
- N6, city centre – Westhill, via Queens Road;
- N201, city centre – Banchory, via Cults and Peterculter, via North Deeside Road;
- N18, city centre – Kincorth/Cove;
- N7, Garthdee – Stonehaven/Stonehaven - Garthdee, via city centre, Portlethen and Newtonhill.
The provision of weekend night bus services will be reviewed by the City Council after this initial trial period. A total of 3,480 people have used the service so far.
Full route and timetable information is at Weekend and Hogmanay Night Bus Services | Aberdeen City Council