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MVA Consultancy to develop bus action plan for north east Scotland

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MVA Consultancy has been commissioned to produce a deliverable bus action plan for the Aberdeen City and Shire region.

The leading transport planning specialist has been appointed by Nestrans (the Regional Transport Partnership for the north east of Scotland) to develop a detailed action plan to implement its Regional Transport Strategy. 

The study will look at current demand for bus services, new opportunities and possible impediments to greater use of bus before recommending a series of measures to be implemented over the next five years.

Using a optioneering process which includes an innovation workshop, MVA will identify the widest possible range of potential improvements for buses across the City and Shire. These will then be narrowed down until a range of appropriate and effective measures have been identified which will be genuinely deliverable around the region.

The resulting action plan will assess opportunities for Park & Ride improvements, localised bus priority, improved reliability, ticketing issues and technology improvements as well as wider issues relating to demand responsive transport, the style of the bus network and the types of buses used.

John Baggaley, director, urban transport at MVA Consultancy, said: “Many people in the north east of Scotland do not use buses at the moment. 

“If the region continues to grow an increasing number of journeys will have to be made by bus – or congestion will get worse and city and town centres will be less attractive places to be. 

“This study is aimed at creating an attractive bus service in the whole of the region which people will use in preference to their car where they have the option.”

Derick Murray, Nestrans director, added: “This Bus Action Plan will turn the Regional Transport Strategy objectives into projects which will improve the bus experience, attract more bus users and ensure that public transport supports economic growth.

“Nestrans are pleased to be working with MVA, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Councils and bus operators in developing these proposals.”

Information for Editors:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, MVA Consultancy provides advice on transport and other policy areas, to central, regional and local government, agencies, developers, operators and financiers.

Issued by Beattie Communications (www.beattiegroup.com) on behalf of MVA Consultancy

For further information please contact: Neil McDonald on 01698 787855 /
07725 466737 or email neil.mcdonald@beattiegroup.com

or

Kimberley Hamilton
01698 787875/07825 069 411 or email kimberley.hamilton@beattiegroup.com

12 March 2008