The results of a six-week engagement programme on the proposed development of Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART) have been published.
The engagement for a proposed mass rapid transit service took place between September and November last year and featured a number of face-to-face events across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and an online event. All participants were encouraged to complete an online survey. The online survey was further supported by pro-active market research which asked the same questions. This used a database for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire to ensure a demographic and locational balance.
More than 2,250 people participated in the activities.
The full engagement report is now available and key findings include –
- Positive sentiment for ART: With broad agreement that ART would improve public transport in the region – online engagement results were 65% positive and market research 60% positive;
- Desire to Use: A majority of respondents indicated they would use an improved public transport service such as ART more often – 59% positive via online engagement and 52% positive in market research;
- Access to Destinations: Agreement that the proposed cross‑city routes would improve access to key regional destinations, such as Aberdeen City Centre, Aberdeen International Airport, TECA, and Foresterhill Health Campus – 55% positive via online engagement and 53% positive in market research;
- ART Stop Features: There was strong support for stop features such as level boarding, high quality waiting, real time travel information and off board ticketing – 69% positive via online engagement and 61% positive from market research.
The engagement also helped to understand people’s concerns which included potential gaps in network coverage, approach to cycling provision and value for money. These insights will directly inform the development of the next phase of work, guiding design development, refining proposals and how they integrate with the wider transport network, as well as informing further engagement.
Councillor Michael Hutchison, Chair, Nestrans said: “We are very pleased with what we have heard back from this engagement.
“It is encouraging that the majority of people agree plans for Aberdeen Rapid Transit would improve public transport in our city and in our region.
“The responses we have received will be very helpful as we take the next steps to delivering the modern public transport network that people want and that our region deserves.
“Public transport is for the public, so it’s important they can have their say and they can help shape Aberdeen Rapid Transit. That engagement, with the public and other stakeholders, will continue as this project moves forward.”
The engagement was undertaken to help inform the next stage of the Outline Business Case which will be produced in spring 2027. Thereafter, a Case for Investment will be prepared.
The development work is supported by funding awarded from the Aberdeen City Region Deal, in partnership with Aberdeen City Council. Aberdeenshire Council. Nestrans, and the North East Bus Alliance.
Councillor Anne Stirling, Chair of the Aberdeen City Region Joint Committee, added: “I very much welcome the feedback received through our community engagement to date. The valuable insights shared by residents, businesses and stakeholders will directly inform the next phase of work, guiding design development, refining the proposals, shaping how the system integrates with the wider transport network and helping us plan further engagement as the project progresses. To ensure Aberdeen Rapid Transit truly reflects local priorities and aspirations, I would encourage everyone to stay involved and continue sharing their views as we move forward together.”
The two preferred cross city routes for ART stretch from Portlethen to Craibstone and Westhill to Blackdog.
Key features include:
- Priority for buses through dedicated lanes and signal priority,
- High quality stops that feature level boarding, lighting, CCTV, shelters with seating;
- Mobility hubs that provide park and ride opportunities;
- High-capacity multi-door zero emission vehicles; ticketing that can be purchased off vehicle and real time information for journey planning.
For further details of the project and to be keep up to date with developments visit https://www.nestrans.org.uk/projects/aberdeen-rapid-transit/