Most passengers think Ready2Go Around Inverurie should return

More than 85% of people would like to see the Ready2Go Around Inverurie service return, according to an council survey aimed at finding out whether passengers prefer timetabled or ondemand buses.

More than 400 people shared their views.

The Inverurie service, which connected residents with Insch, Rothienorman, Oldmeldrum, Kintore, Kemnay and Monymusk, was withdrawn in April.

This was due to problems such as high running costs, relatively low numbers of passengers travelling on each bus and problems booking journeys.

The pilot project appeared to be performing well with more than 1,100 people booking trips each week on the five minibuses operated by Watermill Coaches.

Those who completed the survey were asked why they used the service and what options they would now use instead.

Results showed that 87% of customers prefer a bus they can book over a timetabled service, while 79% did not support the withdrawal of Ready2Go.

The majority of customers questioned – 86% – said they hope the council will reintroduce a service.

Ewan Wallace, head of environment and sustainability at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “Not only are we using the data and detailed comments to prepare an evaluation of the service but it will help us review our wider passenger transport strategy.

“We shall of course be sharing the outcomes from the pilot project and this survey with colleagues at Scottish and UK government so that we can consider the funding and development of similar approaches in the future on a collaborative basis.”

A return of Ready2Go would be welcomed by 85%.