On the 9th November 2020, the Scottish Government announced the launch of a long term £500 million programme of investment in ambitious bus priority infrastructure; supporting local authorities, in partnership with bus operators, to tackle the negative impact of congestion on bus services. The aim of these interventions is to ensure that journeys are quicker and more reliable, thereby encouraging more people to travel by bus. This fund, called the Bus Partnership Fund, which is part of the Scottish Government’s response to the climate emergency, is also expected to leverage and enable other bus service improvements to tackle the climate emergency, reduce private car use and increase bus patronage. From April 2024, funding for the continued development of the ART business case has been secured through the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
Strategic Business Case
In June 2025 a draft Strategic Business Case was presented to Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and the Nestrans Board for noting and endorsement. A report was then submitted to the Aberdeen City Region Deal Joint Committee in September 2025 for approval of the Strategic Business Case and recommendations on the scope of the proposed Outline Business Case, taking into consideration the decisions of the two Councils and Nestrans.
Routeing Analysis
Supporting Technical Notes:
A – Transport Act Scoping Report Review
B – Initial Catchment Viability Analysis
C – Integration of Existing Bus Network
H – Hansen Accessibility Analysis
I – Equality Impact Assessment Screening
Detailed Options Appraisal
Detailed Options Appraisal – Technical Report – Final
Detailed Options Appraisal – Executive Summary
Case for Change
A bid for funding was submitted on behalf of the North East Bus Alliance in April 2021. The submission was supported by a copy of the ‘Aberdeen Rapid Transit – Our Vision‘ document.
Aberdeen Rapid Transit – Business Briefings – 7 March – Presentation
Aberdeen Rapid Transit – Case for Change Executive Summary
Aberdeen Rapid Transit Case for Change
Aberdeen Rapid Transit – Market Research Results
Aberdeen Rapid Transit – What can ART deliver?
Engagement
2025 Engagement and Market Research Results