Buses get in gear for return of schools

From Monday 3 August, bus services across Aberdeenshire and Moray will increase ahead of the resumption of school bus services. This will continue to play a part in connecting people with workplaces, the high street and other key services as they continue to re-open.

The frequency increase does not only affect school journeys but will also be seen in the communities of lifeline services such as – 
• Service 7/X7 – Aberdeen – Portlethen – Stonehaven
• Service 10 – Aberdeen – Elgin – Inverness
• Service 35 – Aberdeen – Banff – Elgin
• Service 201 – Aberdeen – Banchory – Braemar
• Buchan area network

This timetable revision will help to maintain social distancing on board the network of 200 buses and coaches across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray.

Stagecoach has a range of measures in place to help customers travel safely and easily. The “busy bus” indicator on the Stagecoach app uses data to provide information helping customers choose quieter bus services and maintain physical distancing. Face coverings continue to be mandatory when travelling on public transport. 

Peter Knight, Managing Director at Stagecoach Bluebird, said: “Our next timetable revision is a significant one as we are preparing to welcome school bus services back to our daily operations. We have seen a slight increase in the number of people using our services as lockdown has eased. The team at our eight depots across Aberdeenshire and Moray have done a fantastic job of keeping the communities connected throughout lockdown and I know they are all looking forward to getting the buses back out on the road and giving a friendly welcome back on board.”

The local bus operator has recommended that when travelling by bus you should use contactless payment for your journey, or alternatively purchase your ticket in advance using the Stagecoach mobile app. 

A number of additional safety steps have also been taken by Stagecoach including:

• Continued enhanced cleaning which includes at least daily cleaning of all buses with a government-recommended sanitiser, with a particular focus on key touch points, and additional in service cleaning where possible.

• All buses will continue to have a protective screen to provide a physical barrier between the driver and passenger. In line with government advice, as drivers are behind a protective screen, they do not need to wear a face covering. However, should the driver need to leave their cab to assist a customer, they will wear a face covering.
• Physical distancing measures will be in place on all bus services, which means that each individual bus has around 50% of normal passenger capacity.

Printed timetable information in bus stop displays across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray will be updated in due course by the relevant local authority for the area.  
New timetables are now available to download now.

Services that will continue to be suspended from Monday 3rd August
119, 219, 221, 104, 110, 253, 131, 136, 70, 41A, 896 and all nightbird services.