Passengers prepared to abandon Union Street says Aberdeen bus firm

First Aberdeen is calling for the re-opening of Union Street following a "huge response" to an online survey.

The firm say that the research they conducted highlights that the 'Spaces for People' measures currently in place are having a "hugely detrimental effect" on bus service use in the city.

The survey, which had 1135 responses, suggests that if bus access does not return to the full length of Union Street, passengers are prepared to abandon the street altogether. 

David Phillips, Operations Director for First Aberdeen, said: "The findings of this survey have shone a compelling light on damaging effect on bus travel experience that the Spaces for People measures on Union Street have had on the use and perception of bus as a real and accessible way of moving around our city.

"Based on this research, over 80% of our passengers want to see buses return to Union Street and it’s clear that bus users are finding the measures in place a real barrier when it comes to accessing services, whether that be bus routes, or retail and business facilities in the vicinity of the closed road section.

"The most alarming finding of all though, is that nearly 60% of those asked are considering changing their travel movements to avoid Union Street altogether and shop of access services elsewhere entirely.

"Overall, these findings are nothing short of a hammer blow, not only to bus operators, but to businesses and retailers in the city centre who are working tirelessly to attract footfall back to the city centre. The Spaces for People measures on Union Street must be revoked if the city and its businesses are to have any real chance of returning to a level of trade, access and use that was enjoyed by everyone prior to the pandemic."

Alex Nicoll, SNP Group Leader, Aberdeen City Council said: "It is clear from the survey, and from looking at the congestion caused by the closure of Union Street, that it is time to return public transport to the whole length of Union Street. With street closures planned for the Christmas Village we need to ensure public transport can get into our city centre.

"This will be the first festive season in two years where people will be able to see their family and friends in one place. In the run up to Christmas people will be wanting to access our city centre’s shops and hospitality, and for many that just won’t be feasible without public transport along Union Street."

Aberdeen City Council will discuss the measures at a committee meeting on Friday November 12.