First Aberdeen will return its bus services to the Fittie community next month on a trial basis, after all bus routes to the area were stopped earlier this year.
Fittie, or Footdee, was left completely cut off from the wider Aberdeen bus network in July when First Aberdeen made a number of sweeping changes.
The old
Number 15 service used to drive along the Esplanade at the beach and past the toilets at the end of the promenade before stopping at York Street.
The Number 15 service used to go all the way to Fittie, but this stopped in July.
But ever since July, residents have been forced to walk more than half a mile to catch a bus outside the entrance to the Beach Boulevard Retail Park.
However, a new council report has revealed First intend to establish a six-month trial of reinstating services between Fittie and the rest of Aberdeen.
When will the bus services return to Fittie, and how will they work?
Starting from Sunday, November 6, First Bus will introduce up to four journeys a weekday on the
Number 13 service in both directions between Fittie and the city centre.
First intends for this to be on a six-month trial basis, and the journeys will only be during the day.
There will also be slightly reduced services on Saturdays and Sundays compared to the Monday to Friday services.
The planned trial timetable for the new First Bus services to Fittie. Image: Aberdeen City Council.
Why is First making this change?
First Aberdeen
told the council it has made the decision to reintroduce bus services to Fittie on a trial basis following meetings with Fittie residents, and a survey it conducted in the community to “better understand the travelling pattern” of those who live there.
Following the decision to cut the community off the bus network earlier this year, there was anger in the beachfront community,
with petitions and community meetings organised to try and get services reinstated.
Fears were raised for pensioners living in Fittie who rely on the bus to get about, as well as children.
Kirsty Blackman MP, speaking with frustrated Fittie residents in July this year. Image: Wullie Marr.
At the time, First Aberdeen said Fittie was removed from the
Number 15‘s route because of “extremely low passenger volumes utilising that section of the previous 15 route”.
On average, only 10 passengers were using the old service a day before it was cancelled.
On October 20, councillors representing the George Street and Harbour ward provided their feedback to First regarding the frustrations of local residents.
A sign which was put up informing residents in Fittie they would no longer be getting any services at this bus stop. Image: Scott Baxter.
A spokeswoman for First Aberdeen said they “continue to engage with the local community and key stakeholders on options to link Footdee into our bus network”.
She said that because discussions are ongoing, “it would be inappropriate to comment any further until the conclusion of this process”.
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