Hogmanay buses are a gift for Aberdeen Revellers
Aberdeen Inspired has welcome news the city’s free festive night buses will run on Hogmanay to get revellers home safely and reliably after the bells.
Adrian Watson, chief executive officer of Aberdeen Inspired - who collaborated with Aberdeen City Council and First Bus on the return of the night buses – said it was a welcome boost both for passengers and the city’s nighttime economy.
“Hogmanay is a time for people to come together and see in 2025 in a real party atmosphere – which many of our city centre bars and restaurants will be offering,” he said.
“And now revellers will know they can get home after a great night out, courtesy of these increasingly popular free buses running into the small hours, so the Hogmanay service is a very welcome move from First Bus and Aberdeen City Council.
“Since the free weekend night service began in November, the response from passengers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many saying they would like to see it all year round – and Aberdeen Inspired shares that hope.”
Aberdeen City Council is paying First Bus to operate the 10 routes from midnight on 31 December 2024 to about 3am on 1 January 2025.
The Hogmanay night bus is in addition to the existing weekend buses which are operating on weekends from Saturday 16 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025 – which so far has attracted 3,480 passengers.
The Hogmanay night bus services are being funded from bus lane enforcement revenue.
City centre businesses will be busy on Hogmanay. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill said: “The existing weekend night bus services have proved popular. I am delighted the Council has now been able to add free night buses on Hogmanay.
“So far thousands of people have used the free weekend nigh buses to travel to their homes in the city or Aberdeenshire.
“I hope as many people as possible take advantage of this free and safe transport home both for going out on Hogmanay and at weekends.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “More and more people are out enjoying the cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the city centre during the festive period and Hogmanay is always one of the busiest nights of the year.
“The Aberdeen City Council funding will help to support businesses by giving people another transport option for getting home safely on Hogmanay.”
The services are
- N1, city centre – Dubford/Ashwood/Danestone, via King Street;
- N61, city centre – Ellon via Balmedie and Newburgh;
- N17, city centre – Bucksburn/Dyce, via Great Northern Road;
- N9, city centre – Inverurie, via Blackburn and Kintore, via Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI);
- N12, Torry – Northfield/Northfield - Torry, via city centre and Rosemount;
- N23, city centre – Kingswells, via Summerhill and Sheddocksley;
- N6, city centre – Westhill, via Queens Road;
- N201, city centre – Banchory, via Cults and Peterculter, via North Deeside Road;
- N18, city centre – Kincorth/Cove;
- N7, Garthdee – Stonehaven/Stonehaven - Garthdee, via city centre, Portlethen and Newtonhill.
The provision of weekend night bus services will be reviewed by the City Council after this initial trial period.
Full route and timetable information is at Weekend and Hogmanay Night Bus Services | Aberdeen City Council