FIRST Bus and Stagecoach will both offer free travel across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire every weekend in January.
Both bus operators have said they are “reinvesting the savings” from the introduction of the new bus gates – which prevent all vehicles apart from buses from entering certain roads - in Aberdeen to benefit customers.
First and Stagecoach claim it is a direct impact of the improvements both of the companies have seen as a result of the scheme.
The measures introduced by the bus gates means drivers can be slapped with a £60 fine for driving through them.
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Both operators are calling for further bus priority measures to be introduced by Aberdeen City Council and said this offer could be “the sign of things to come”.
They both said the scheme is to help people reduce costs and at the same time encourage more people to use the bus and increase footfall in the city centre.
Commercial director of First Bus Scotland Graeme Macfarlan said: “We are delighted to be able to offer free travel across all First Bus routes in Aberdeen throughout January and the subsequent benefits that will bring to people travelling around the city.”
Managing director of Stagecoach North Scotland David Beaton meanwhile added: “This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to working together as local public transport providers to ensure a bright, clean and prosperous future for Aberdeen.”
It comes as we told how campaigners in Glasgow held a demonstration outside SPT offices in Glasgow in a bid to improve public transport services across the region.
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