The iconic bendy buses have served students and commuters in Aberdeen for over three decades.
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End of an era for Aberdeen’s bendy buses
After more than three decades of service, Aberdeen’s bendy buses are officially leaving the roads. These articulated buses, known for their distinctive design and capacity, have been a familiar sight on the city’s number one and two routes, catering to a high volume of passengers, particularly students from Robert Gordon University (RGU).
The buses have provided a vital link between the Bridge of Don and Great Southern Road, making them an essential part of the local transport network.
Service details and final journeys
First Bus, the operator of these bendy buses, has announced that today marks the final day of operation for these vehicles.
A spokesperson for First Bus confirmed, “We can confirm the last bendy buses operating in our First Bus fleet in Aberdeen will be coming off the road at the end of today.” Passengers can still ride the bendy buses on their usual routes, but there is no guarantee that they will be used for every journey. The last bus from Garthdee towards Danestone is scheduled to leave Bridge of Dee Court at PM, while the final bus from Danestone to Garthdee will depart from Wallacebrae Road at PM.
Impact on the community and future of public transport
The departure of the bendy buses signifies a shift in Aberdeen’s public transport landscape. For many years, these buses have been a reliable option for commuters, especially students who rely on them to reach their campus at Garthdee. The articulated design allowed for greater passenger capacity, making them particularly suited for busy routes. As the city moves forward, it will be interesting to see what alternatives are introduced to meet the needs of the community. With the end of the bendy bus era, First Bus is expected to explore new options that can provide similar or improved services to the residents of Aberdeen.
