Bus Services No 15 - trial re-routing
It is being reported today (11 November 2022) that First Aberdeen intend to trial the rerouting of the No 15 service away from the narrow, rural section of Countesswells Road.
The Community Council are pleased that First Aberdeen appear to have, at last, accepted the danger to pedestrian, cyclists and motorists of routing the bus along this road.
Members of the Community Council and local MSP Liam Kerr first highlighted the safety fears with First Aberdeen back in April but, despite correspondence and meetings, First Aberdeen, went ahead and introduced the new route from 3rd July.
The Press and Journal, today reports that following further discussions with Aberdeen City Council, First Aberdeen has now agreed to re-route the service away from the “dangerous” rural street on a trial basis. First Aberdeenare proposing that the No15 service will use Kirk Brae in Cults as an alternative before joining Craigbank Drive and continuing on into Craigton Road. The route is currently being tested.
Although it is claimed that this rerouting will bring about an end to safety concerns, the Community Council continue to have misgivings regarding the width of Craigton Road and the risks to cyclists and other motorists..
In addition, it appears that the re-routing will remove ease of access to a bus service from residents in the original Countesswells area and the Hazelwood Development.
Liam Kerr MSP has welcomed the news. He said: “I’m glad First is listening to the community and taking action to reroute the number 15 away from Countesswells Road which so many have said is totally unsuitable for buses. We have seen a terrifying number of close calls on the road since the bus service was introduced there in July. It’s now imperative First assesses the change to Kirk Brae carefully to ensure that whilst motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders on the Countesswells Road will be safer, the other communities affected by the change are similarly considered."
First Aberdeen are quoted as saying: “We can confirm that we’re in early discussions with key stakeholders on the routing of service 15/15B between the city centre and Countesswells. It would be inappropriate to comment any further at the moment while this process is ongoing."
To date, there has been no communication with the Community Council regarding the proposals, and we are looking forward, as a "key stakeholder", to engaging with First Aberdeen and others before the route is finalised.
Many people including the elderly in Airyhall, Pinewood area and Countesswells Avenue rely on the number 15 bus. Please ensure it still goes to these areas as it has done for decades.
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