Readers have been sharing their thoughts on the ongoing shortage of buses and taxis to get home from Aberdeen at night.
Earlier this week, the Press and Journal reported that although the night-time economy is bouncing back, the lack of buses and taxis available at the end of the night are causing concern.
Bus operators told us they were monitoring demand for services, although First said they were “hopeful” they’ll be brought back.
And although the Back Wynd taxi rank is being reintroduced, along with taxi marshals, there is a shortage of cars – with many drivers giving up the trade during lockdown.
Now many of you have taken to social media to share your thoughts on the situation.
‘Ridiculous having to wait so long’
Many Evening Express readers blasted the long waits for taxis, labelling it as “ridiculous”.
Fyona Kelly wrote: “We were waiting until 5.30am for a taxi the last time we were out. It was ridiculous having to wait so long.”
An Na said: “I tried to get a taxi a few days ago. They were all booked and said that the earliest one I could get was in an hour and a half. It was 1.30am.”
Sandra Latham wrote that Aberdeen is a “ghost town” because of the lack of taxis and nightlife.
William Robertson added: “If only there was Uber.”
Workers struggle to get home
Rebecca McGregor explained she works in late-night venues and often struggles to find a way home.
She wrote: “I had to walk an hour 20 minutes home in the winter snow after a shift in a nightclub due to either taxis being booked up or none driving around and no buses running.
“My taxi fare home exceeds what I earn in a shift.”
Miss McGregor works as a nightclub photographer and noticed the lack of late-night transport “definitely” became worse after lockdown.
She told us: “I used to see a fair amount of people waiting at the bus stop for the late buses, so they were obviously needed.
“I think parking around town can cause an issue. I’m lucky to have a car now, but I didn’t have one in the wintertime when I had to walk home.
“We used to park in the Chapel Street car park but since it’s closing we struggle to find space.”
Miss McGregor said she sees people she works with try their hardest to get £15 in tips just to pay for their taxis home.
“It can obviously be unsafe for anyone,” she added. “But as a woman, I don’t feel safe walking home especially alone.
“I’ve felt intimidated and unsafe passing big groups or rowdy people coming home from their nights out.”
What about night buses?
Some commented that they missed the night bus service, Wendy McCoy wrote: “Night buses were great, shame they’re no longer running.”
Alanna Milne said: “Night buses should be back on.”
David Dawson added: “Night buses are back in Glasgow.”
Michael Rae commented that Union Street used to be “packed with people” waiting for the late-night buses or queueing at taxi ranks.
Some said they walk home because they live closer to town, but can see why there is a need for a night bus service.
Stewart Boavista wrote: “I walk because it’s easy for me. If you live in Culter I’m sure the night bus would be a handy alternative.”
Are things really so bad?
Some readers did not think there was much of an issue, claiming there are plenty of taxis or people can just walk home.
George Anderson posted: “Plenty of expensive taxis to get you home.
“As for the Nightbird service buses, I doubt they’ll ever come back. Those buses aren’t covered by funding and no driver wants to be driving a bus loaded with drunks being abusive to them.”
Edward Stewart claimed there is no need for night services, he wrote: “It is a tiny city – just walk.”
Conversation