Share

Peterhead transport interchange opening hours to be reduced

As part of ongoing efficiencies and savings being found by Aberdeenshire Council, opening hours at Peterhead Transport Interchange are being reduced.

The move follows budget decisions made by councillors at a meeting of the Full Council in November last year.

The savings were identified after it was agreed to reduce the Public Transport Infrastructure - Repairs and Maintenance budget from financial year 2011/12.

The interchange is owned and managed by the council and operation is subject to a partnership agreement with Stagecoach Bluebird.

Monitoring has identified that use of the facility is extremely low early in the morning and after the afternoon peak Monday to Friday, and that there is minimal usage at weekends.

Stagecoach has provided feedback on ticket sales which suggest peak sales are on a Monday, with minimal sales on a Saturday and none on a Sunday.

Currently the passenger waiting facility is open to the travelling public from 0615 – 2130 Monday to Saturday, and from 1200 – 2130 on Sundays.

The revised opening hours are: 0730 – 1830 Monday to Friday, 0800 – 1200 on Saturdays; closing on Sundays.

The facility is covered by a combination of Aberdeenshire Council and Stagecoach Bluebird staff, with both organisations providing staff at various times of the day.

In addition to the opening hours changes, for the majority of the day only one member of staff is required, so this is also being rationalised and staff have been informed of the changes.

Chairman of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Peter Argyle, said: “The proposed revised opening times are comparable with those of similar sized bus station facilities across Scotland.

“This proposal will allow Aberdeenshire Council staff to continue to maintain the facility while also maintaining a presence throughout the day.

“We believe there will be no perceivable drop in service for the travelling public, other than the reduction in opening times at times of low usage.”

Director of the council’s Infrastructure Services Service, Iain Gabriel, said: “The revised opening times will now more closely match passenger demand.

“The changes will also see staff resources ‘pooled’ between the council and Stagecoach Bluebird to deliver the budget saving requested and, in turn, minimise any impact on service delivery.”

Footfall at the facility will continue to be monitored to assess any effect of the changes.

Formal staff engagement has already started and those affected have been formally advised. An initial meeting has also been held to discuss employment options.