06 June 2017

New door-to-door bus service replacing Banchory Town Service

Banchory will have a new door-to-door bus service from next month, replacing the existing 205 Banchory Town Service currently supported by Aberdeenshire Council.

From Monday, July 17, the new Council-operated service will run Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm.

Rather than operating to a fixed route, the new Banchory A2B dial-a-bus is a demand responsive service that can pick up from any location in the town to suit the customer's needs.

Passengers phone A2B on (01467) 535 333 between 9.30am and 3.30pm Monday to Friday to request the bus at the time they would like to be collected.

In most cases bookings can be made up to a week in advance but no later than one hour before travel.

If the bus is already busy at the time the passenger wishes to travel they will be offered an alternative. Anyone travelling to a health appointment is given priority by being able to book up to two weeks ahead.

The buses are wheelchair accessible and drivers can offer assistance with getting on and off the bus when needed.

The existing Banchory Town Service is being withdrawn due to its relatively high operating costs and its replacement is expected to give greater value for money to the Council and more flexibility for passengers.

Anyone interested in using the new Banchory A2B service is invited to attend one of the following drop-in sessions in the town to meet members of the A2B team and find out more.

Look out for the bus at:

• Bellfield car park Mon, June 12 9.30 – 10.30am
• Morrison’s car park Wed, June 14 9.30 – 10.30am
• Tesco car park Fri, June 16 9.30 – 10.30am

Further information can also be obtained by calling (01467) 535 333.