Aberdonians got their first chance to check out what could be the future of transport in the city, with a full-size Aberdeen Rapid Transit (ART) demo vehicle on display outside Marischal College.
The striking vehicle, which visually combines features of a bus and a tram, drew crowds in the city centre on day one of a public exhibition.
The Aberdeen Rapid Transit project is exploring options for a high-quality, zero-emission mass transport system for the North-east, designed to improve connectivity between key communities and support regional net zero ambitions.
The demonstrator visit comes as work continues on an Outline Business Case for the project, funded by the Aberdeen City Region Deal.
The ART demo vehicle remains at Marischal College today, and will be on show at various locations around the city until next Thursday as it undertakes initial route testing.
The aim of hosting the vehicle is to enable the public and stakeholders to view firsthand what an ART vehicle could look like.
Paul Finch, Director of Nestrans, which is leading the project in partnership with Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils, said: “The North-east needs a transport system that supports the way we live and work, connecting communities with major employment, education and leisure destinations.
"This demo vehicle is one way of helping people visualise that wider ambition and understand how ART could support the region in the years ahead.
“What we’ve heard so far from people and stakeholders is that the design of future vehicles matters, with strong support for a branded, zero-emission, tram-style vehicle.
“We’re taking the demonstrator along the proposed routes to help people understand what that style of vehicle would look and feel like, but this is only one example. When you see the vehicle first hand it helps shape an understanding of what features and standards should be considered as the project develops.”
Thursday 4th June: Aberdeen City Centre
- 2pm – 4pm, outside Marischal College, Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1AB
Friday 5th June: Aberdeen City Centre
- 11am – 3pm, outside Marischal College, Broad Street, Aberdeen, AB10 1AB
Monday 8th June: Westhill
- 10am – 11.30am, outside Westhill Library, Westhill Drive, Westhill AB32 6TG
Tuesday 9th June: Kingswells
- 11am – 2pm, Kingswells Causeway, Prime Four Business Park, Kingswells, AB15 8PU
Wednesday 10th June: P&J Live, Aberdeen
- 11am – 2pm, East Burn Road, Stoneywood, Aberdeen AB21 9FX
Thursday 11th June: Portlethen
- 11:30am – 1pm, Bruntland Road, opposite Fern Drive, Portlethen, AB12 4QL