A new bus interchange facility was today (July 29) opened at Dyce railway station which will improve access to the shuttle bus service.
The £426,000 new facility, which was designed and built by Aberdeen City Council and funded by regional transport partnership for Aberdeen City and Shire Nestrans, includes a dedicated bus access road, turning circle, connecting paths, bus waiting facilities, cycle racks and landscaping.
It includes a new bus-only access road and turning circle to the west of the railway line, on land owned by Aberdeen International Airport between Foinavon Close and the railway station.
The new facility will allow bus services to access the station with ease, and will provide a direct bus link from Dyce Railway Station to Aberdeen International Airport, the heliports and the industrial estates across Dyce, allowing commuters and travellers to travel from train to bus seamlessly.
Aberdeen City Council Regeneration and Transport Spokesman Councillor Ross Grant said: “This is a great new facility which will be a help to commuters and people travelling and working around Dyce.
“Along with other major projects including the AWPR, the Berryden Corridor, Dyce Park and Ride and the Third Don Crossing, Aberdeen City Council is investing in improving transport around the city for its residents and visitors.”
Nestrans Chairman Councillor Ramsay Milne said: “Ensuring a smooth transition between modes of transport is an important element in improving the attractiveness of public transport, walking and cycling.
“This new facility provides travellers with a seamless interchange on their journey and improves access to Aberdeen International Airport by rail.
“The interchange adds to the existing list of high quality interchanges throughout the north east including those at Union Square, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Peterhead and Fraserburgh. Nestrans is committed to continuing to support transport interchanges and look forward to working with our partners on future facilities.”
The new facility will be served by the Stagecoach North Scotland 80 Jet Connect bus service, which is being re-routed from Monday, August 17.
Steve Walker, Stagecoach North Scotland Managing Director, said: "The new interchange at Dyce Station will make the transition from rail to bus much easier for our customers.
“Service 80 is a vital link from the rail station to the industrial estates that many commuters rely on, all of whom will welcome these changes. The improvements demonstrate the commitment from Nestrans to public transport meaning we can provide the best possible service to the community. "
Previously, bus services accessed the station at platform two at the railway station, which had restrictions on the size and type of vehicles which could access it.
Steve Ewen, ScotRail’s station team manager for Dyce, said: “The interchange is great news for Dyce and Aberdeenshire – helping to connect businesses with customers, people with jobs, and tourist attractions with visitors.
“We understand the importance of offering seamless door-to-door journeys, and believe projects like this make public transport quicker, easier, and more attractive.”
Dan Peck, Aberdeen International Airport’s Head of Development, said: “The airport is always supportive in improving wider transport links in the area and we are pleased that our investment has helped to improve surface access in Dyce for our passengers and public transport users alike”.