Bus users will soon be able to benefit from speedier journeys with the launch of the first services on the long-awaited AWPR later this month.
From Monday January 21, Stagecoach will begin taking passengers on the billion-pound bypass, with hourly connections from Ellon and Stonehaven to Aberdeen International Airport.
There will also be trips from the Kingswells Park and Ride to the airport every 30 minutes.
And another service launching that same day will provide direct links to the airport from Portlethen and Newtonhill – after residents in the Aberdeenshire communities requested the move during recent feedback sessions.
Managing director for Stagecoach North Scotland, David Liston, said: “On reviewing feedback from residents in Newtonhill and Portlethen we have been able to identify a solution that means these communities will be connected to the airport.
“We are delighted to be able to start the new year by introducing two new services to our Aberdeenshire network.”
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The new timetable, announced today, was supposed to be launched in November but had to be postponed amid ongoing uncertainty over the completion of the bypass.
The 20-mile Craibstone to Stonehaven section was opened to drivers on December 11 but it remains unclear when the beleaguered Don Crossing section will be open to motorists after repeated failed attempts to meet the deadline.
Contractors have pledged to open the bridge this month, though a definitive date is yet to be confirmed.
The 747 service will replace the 107 service and existing 747 and will run hourly throughout most of the day between Montrose and Ellon, using the AWPR.
Buses will travel from Montrose to Stonehaven before stopping at Kingswells Park and Ride and Aberdeen Airport.
The service will then continue to Ellon – and some journeys will extend to Cruden Bay and Peterhead.
The new 757 bus will be introduced from the same date, providing a direct link to the airport from Portlethen and Newtonhill.
It will operate seven days a week, with journeys to the airport via Kingswells up to every hour.
Both services will be operated by low-floor, easy access buses fitted with the ability to accept contactless payments.
Timetables for service 747 and 757 are now available to download on the stagecoach website.
Printed copies will soon be available to pick up in Aberdeen bus station, Kingswells Park and Ride, Ellon Park and Ride, Peterhead Interchange and Aberdeen Airport.
