A second Optare Alero 16-seater minibus has been introduced onto the Aberdeen Dial-a-Bus service. The new vehicle was purchased with funding awarded by Nestrans to allow more people to access Dial-a-Bus and benefit from using the service.

It joins the original Alero which has been used on Dial-a-Bus since the service was introduced in November 2004 and which has proven to be highly popular with both drivers and customers. Alero was chosen because of its very low entry height and its easy accessibility by passengers of varying degrees of mobility.

Entry into the bus is through wide, double, plug-type doors with the entrance having a step height of just 190 mm (7.5 inches). A simple, manually-operated ‘book leaf’ ramp provides easy access for passengers in a wheelchair or using other mobility aids.

The 16 Rescroft seats are fitted with seatbelts that meet M2 standards. Electronic climate control, which is standard in Alero, provides a comfortable travelling environment whatever the outside conditions. The new Alero is also fitted with electronic destination equipment.

Aberdeen Dial-a-Bus is run on behalf of the City Council by Stagecoach Bluebird. They operate the bus service and the call centre through which bookings for the demand-responsive service are made. The drivers recruited by Stagecoach Bluebird have gone through Midas training and regularly receive praise from customers for the first class service they provide.

The service was set up to help people with limited access to transport to access shopping, health and leisure facilities and connect them to mainstream transport services. The two Aleros run seven days a week and bookings can be made up to one week in advance of the date people wish to travel. It costs £2 for a single and £3 for a return. Concessionary rates are also available.

Dial-a-Bus is funded until the end of March 2008 by the Scottish Executive. Beyond that date Aberdeen City Council will work with Nestrans to continue the service and develop other local community transport initiatives.

Chair of Nestrans, Councillor Kevin Stewart, said: “Making public transport as accessible as possible for everyone is hugely important in social inclusion terms and a key part of our transport strategy. Nestrans is delighted to provide this key service to the people of Aberdeen.”

Further information about Aberdeen City Council’s Dial-a-Bus service is available at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/dial-a-bus

For further information please contact:
Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor, +44 (0) 207 494 8050