Council-funded buses for Kingsford, Airyhall and Craigiebuckler

Months after First Aberdeen cancelled two services to Kingswells - Aberdeen City Council has agreed to fund supported bus services to fill gaps in transport provision in three areas.

Kingswells, Airyhall and Craigiebuckler as a well as Dubford and Denmore will benefit from the decision made by councillors this afternoon.

Earlier, members of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee today asked officers to put money aside for the buses and get the wheels rolling on community services.

Kingswells village, where commercial bus services ceased to operate in April 2017, is already served by an interim service implemented by Aberdeen City Council. A permanent solution is now being recommended.

Airyhall and Craigiebuckler had been without a commercial evening service from April 2013 and the Council has been providing a supported evening bus service since June 2016. Options for delivering an evening service to the area on an ongoing basis will be considered.

Dubford and Denmore has not has a Sunday commercial bus service since September 2012 and the level of provision has been assessed by Council officers as being insufficient. A supported Sunday service, from 9am to 10pm, is part of the recommendations being taken forward.

Aberdeen City Council co-leader Councillor Douglas Lumsden, convener of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee, said: “A decision has been made based on the assessments carried out and our own criteria. Transport links are vital to the daily lives of those in the communities we serve and we have agreed to fill the gaps in commercial provision where a clear need exists.

“The issue of bus services will continue to be examined and there is work being done both in relation to national legislation and local provision."