Stagecoach Bluebird is launching a new night bus network for lovers of Aberdeen's nightlife over the festive period.
Launching next week, services will run every Friday and Saturday until mid-January in what is a boost to Aberdeen's late night economy.
It means they'll be around for Aberdeen Cocktail Week and for Aberdeen's Christmas Village.
The expanded network will support the city's restaurants, bars and clubs, offering both party-goers and staff a safe way home.
The routes will serve many locations throughout the city, as well as major North-east towns such as Stonehaven, Portlethen, Banchory, Westhill and Ellon. Customers can travel to any stop along the route.
And a Deeside service operating to Banchory has been introduced following customer requests after last year’s trial period.
Long-term aspirations
There's hoped among city chiefs that a successful night bus network could lead to more services being put on throughout the year.
Innes Walker, city centre manager at Aberdeen Inspired, said:
"We brought the issue of night buses back to the table and were pleased to work with Stagecoach to bring these vital services back for the forthcoming festive season.
"We are delighted there will be a variety of routes to take passengers back to their homes in the city and Aberdeenshire after a night out.
"This will allow them to enjoy all the city centre has to offer – from bars and restaurants to live music, theatre shows and the Christmas Village, without worrying about how they will get home.
"We hope the buses will prove even more popular and successful than last year and could lead to a long-term, sustainable night-time bus service year-round.
"The ultimate aim is to increase footfall in the city centre to boost the evening and night-time economy and we hope to build on the successful trial by encouraging people to make use of this fantastic service as they enjoy autumn nights and the Christmas celebrations in Aberdeen’s city centre."
Daniel Laird, Commercial Director at Stagecoach North Scotland, said:
"We are looking forward to the reintroduction of our popular night buses, which were a great success last year.
"It’s a great opportunity to help those on a night out as well as hospitality workers get home safely , thanks to the support of Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council.
"The timetables reflect Aberdeen’s popular routes to allow access for majority of pubgoers and hospitality staff, which will reduce pressure on taxi ranks. We are happy to contribute to
the recovery of Aberdeen’s bustling nightlife."
The launch will support Aberdeen Cocktail Week which takes place from 18th – 24th of October 2023, and will see more than 30 Aberdeen venues take part in an exclusive food and drink festival.
Gregor Sey, organiser of Aberdeen Cocktail Week, said: "I'm thrilled that Stagecoach's night service will be resuming during Aberdeen Cocktail Week this October.
"Both attendees and city centre hospitality staff will benefit immensely from its return as it will not only provide a safe and convenient travel option for our attendees -
allowing them more time to explore the nearly 30 participating venues - but will also play a crucial role in supporting our city's hospitality staff commute home."
All night routes will depart from Union Square Bus Station in the heart of the city centre.
Special fares will apply to the night services, with contactless payments and cash accepted on buses.