Transport Link Plans Lodged By Council

Transport links in a north-east town could be given a boost as Aberdeenshire Council proposes the launch of its 10th dial-a-bus service.

People living in and around Huntly could soon have access to door- to-door, wheelchair-accessible vehicles to fill a gap in existing bus and rail routes.

The plans, which are estimated to cost around pounds30,000 a year, will be considered by the Marr area committee on Tuesday.

In a report to go before the committee, head of transportation Ewan Wallace explains the needs for the service.

He says: “With a population of over 4,000, Huntly has good bus and rail links towards Aberdeen and Inverness, but it does not have a dedicated town bus service. There have been a number of retail and housing developments recently, increasing potential demand for local transport.

“There are also a large number of sheltered housing residents who could benefit from a new door-to-door service.”

It is proposed the bus service would run Monday to Friday between 10am and 2.30pm, providing people in Huntly with a daily weekday service as well as a twice-weekly service for people living in outlying areas.

The council has already undertaken a consultation with prospective users, transport operators, NHS staff, community councils and the Deeside Access Panel. In addition, it received a positive response at a public consultation.

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