Buses to return to Aberdeen’s main street

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Plans for the pedestrianisation of part of Aberdeen’s Union Street have been hit after the readmission of buses and taxis was backed by councillors. Bus operators have seen services diverted and subject to regular delays as a result of the closure to provide more space during the pandemic.

Duncan Cameron, Managing Director of First Bus Scotland, said: “We welcome the decision from Aberdeen City Council to allow buses back on to Union Street and the benefits it will bring to our customers. This will help us speed up services for customers as well as providing easier access to Union Street for those living and working throughout the city.”

In an earlier survey, the operator said more than 82% of respondents agreed that they would like to see a return to bus services along the length of Union Street, and that 62% indicated they were not prepared to have an increased bus journey time in order to have a pedestrianised section of road space. 57% agreed they would be likely to avoid Union Street, the city’s main shopping street, and travel elsewhere for their needs if closure was made permanent.

The city’s Broad Street has been cited as a successful example of shared space, which could be replicated on Union Street. JONATHAN WELCH