First Bus has announced a raft of changes for its operations across Aberdeen.
These include fare increases and cuts, new ticketing options and improved services to communities who have been forced to deal with “frustrating” alterations to bus routes and timetables in recent years.
The revisions include a 10p hike for adult single journeys of one to five stops, but prices for six stops and above will remain frozen.
Other fare increases include weekly tickets for children rising from £9 to £10, but adult tickets have been frozen at £18 – with a reduction of £2 on offer if users buy their tickets using the M-ticket smartphone app until July 1.
Child day tickets will be cut by 10p, from £2.60 to £2.50, and a new family weekend ticket will be introduced, offering unlimited Saturday and Sunday travel for up to two adults and three children for £8.
David Phillips, the managing director of First Aberdeen said: “I’m delighted to be able to introduce a number of positive changes in 2016 to better cater for passenger demand.
“On fares, we’ve endeavoured to keep any rises to a minimum, but with many [prices] having been frozen for the past few years, some small rises have had to be introduced.
“I’m pleased, however, that we are offering a discounted weekly ticket to encourage use of mobile ticketing.
“And our new weekend family ticket is certainly something I’m sure will prove popular with families looking to travel into town at weekends without the stress of traffic queues and the worry of parking.”
In addition to fare changes, First will also implement improved services on its Number 3, 5, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25 and X40 buses.
Those living in the Cragiebuckler and Airyhall area – which is served by the Number 15 and Number 13 lines – will welcome the changes, according to ward councillor Ross Thomson who has long campaigned for improved services.
Mr Thomson said: “First will now be spreading their recovery time across the Number 15 route.
“This means that the often frustrating scenario of residents sitting waiting at Cragiebuckler or Airyhall on the bus simply for it to make up time so that it is not early to its destination will not happen.
“This new change is good news for residents in both Cragiebuckler and Airyhall.”
The fare changes will come into effect from March 27 and service changes from April 17.
