Stagecoach North Scotland has announced a major uplift in services across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, marking the second phase of its roadmap to recovery and a significant step forward in improving reliability and the overall customer experience.
From May 25, customers travelling between Aberdeen and Stonehaven will benefit from a new high-frequency express corridor, with buses running every 20 minutes. The introduction of new Services X8 and X9, alongside the existing X7, will provide more buses, more often, delivering faster and more reliable journeys along this key route.
The changes also introduce the first ever 24/7 cross City-Shire bus service in the region. The revised Service 727 will operate around the clock, seven days a week, connecting Portlethen, Aberdeen city centre and Aberdeen Airport, providing greater flexibility for shift workers, airport users and local communities with great value ticket prices.
Customers will also benefit from faster journey times, with the new X9 offering the quickest ever link between Aberdeen and Stonehaven, operating as a limited stop service along the A92.
In addition, new direct links will be introduced for a number of Stonehaven communities. Services X8 and X9 will serve key residential areas including Robert Street, Bath Street, Westfield Road, Slug Road, Farrochie Road, Woodcot Brae and Mill of Forest, removing the need for customers to change buses and improving overall connectivity.
The revised network has been designed around real customer demand, with updated timetables and service patterns to improve punctuality and reliability across the area. This includes adjustments to Service 59 to better match demand and support more consistent performance, while allowing the X7 to remain a fast and dependable option for longer-distance journeys.
David Beaton, Managing Director for Stagecoach North Scotland, said:
“This next phase of our roadmap represents a significant step forward for bus services across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. We are introducing more buses, more often, alongside faster journey times and better connections for local communities.
“These changes are rooted in listening to our customers and designing services around how people travel today. By improving frequency, simplifying routes and enhancing reliability, we are focused on delivering a network that people can depend on every day.
“We've made strong early progress through our recovery plan, and this latest investment builds on that momentum. Our focus now is on continuing to deliver consistent, high-quality services that meet the needs of the communities we serve.”
Further information on timetables and service changes are now live on the Stagecoach website.