ABERDEEN: CITY OF THE FUTURE A contribution towards discussions on a future transport strategy for Aberdeen and its Region Prepared by the Centre for Transport Research University of Aberdeen June 2010
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E ABERDEEN: CITY OF THE FUTURE A contribution towards discussions on a future transport strategy for Aberdeen and its Region Prepared by the Centre for Transport Research University of Aberdeen June 2010 1
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Introduction and Context Given the current economic climate there are severe challenges facing Aberdeen and North East Scotland. At the same time the future of the Region s economic base is potentially under threat as North Sea oil supplies diminish and demographic trends have highlighted an increase in the number of retiring people moving into the area. How then will Aberdeen City and Shire cope? One thing is for certain: to attract new companies, industries and inward investment the Region must demonstrate a competitive edge. It is essential that the area is attractive to businesses while retaining a culture of innovation to attract all ages. Transport links in Aberdeen have long been recognised as problematic and are a bottleneck in the city s ability to function effectively, socially, economically and environmentally. Whilst excellent work has been carried out to date by Nestrans, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, ACSEF, FirstGroup and others, there remains a fundamental need to progress and communicate the process of change that will transform Aberdeen into one of the world s leading cities of the future. The Nestrans Vision Scope of this Discussion Paper A transport system for the NE of Scotland which enables a more economically competitive, sustainable and socially inclusive society (Nestrans Regional Transport Strategy 2021) The recent completion of Union Square with the associated developments at the bus and rail stations and discussions about the potential redevelopment for Denburn Valley / Union Terrace Gardens, alongside continuing calls to raise the profile of the City and Shire have highlighted an urgent need to assess the role of transport in influencing the development potential for the area. This provides a unique opportunity to extend the debate to embrace consideration of how improved transport infrastructure and services have benefited other cities throughout the world. Transport in Aberdeen: the facts Travel to work mode share: 67% by car (2003/04), 61% (1999/2000) Aberdeen Cars/household: 0.91 (2001), Dundee and Edinburgh (both 0.77); but almost one third of Aberdeen households do not have access to a car Aberdeen has highest number of cars / head in Scotland Aberdeen s roads experienced a 5% increase in traffic (2002-2006); 42% of Aberdeen residents use a car everyday (the average for urban Scotland is 33%) Aberdeen Airport: 3.4 Million passengers (2007), 2.3 Million (1996) Source: Aberdeen Local Transport Strategy, 2008 to 2012 3
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Key dimensions of a future transport strategy Vision what do we want Aberdeen City and Shire to look like and how will it function? An attractive City and Shire, maximising the use of existing resources, building on the local history and heritage and at the same time creating a new inclusive Aberdeen Strategic set of designated gateways to the City State-of-the-art multi-modal public transport solutions such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Flexible Transport Services, integrated ticketing, passenger information and enhanced pedestrian facilities to reduce the need for car dependence for city dwellers, commuters and visitors Provision of a platform from which Aberdeen can become a must see area in a global context Learning from Good Practice The European examples that follow are presented to demonstrate how other Cities have tackled their transport problems successfully and regenerated their city centres and economies. All experienced resistance to change, however the introduction of significant investment in public transport and associated infrastructure, with an emphasis on mobility management, has been recognised as the way to preserve cultural heritage while remaining competitive in a global context. Locally, recognition must also be taken into account of the large scale investment in vehicles made by public transport operators as well as the new bus station at Union Square and improvements to the railway station. Bus priorities have been successfully introduced in the city, however performance has been hampered by continued traffic congestion. Other cities in Europe with similar characteristics to Aberdeen have tackled the challenges associated with delivering an integrated and efficient transport system. There are a number of opportunities facing the city at present that will require a 21 st century transport system to ensure success in the long-term. In summary, it is important that we try and maximise the use of our existing resources, retaining the local heritage and at the same time creating a city that can compete with any in the world in terms of quality of life, environment and safety. 4
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Case Studies from European Experience Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Madrid Preserving the heritage of the city was a prime motivator for tunnelling underground to build new metro lines and also multi-modal interchanges (bus, metro stations). Motorways were redesigned to provide Bus Rapid Transit routes to/from the city. Linking BRT to tunnels feeding underground bus stations has aided air quality and congestion issues in the city. Journey times by bus have been reduced by more than 40%. Multi-modal ticketing systems covering train, metro and bus were also introduced. Discussion point: Could this approach be used in Aberdeen? Explore the potential of linking the bus, rural/inter-city bus station with a new city centre station located in the Gardens redevelopment 5
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Gothenburg City Centre In Gothenburg, the city centre s main street has priority for bus, tram, taxis. This was agreed with citizens (in the home of the Volvo car!!). Air quality and congestion issues in the central area have been eliminated. Investment in integrated transport throughout the city has seen the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit routes fed by Demand Responsive Transport services. Full ticket integration between trams, bus and trains also exists. Operators have introduced clean fuel vehicles with hybrids currently on trial. Discussion point: Could this approach be taken in Union Street? Could bus priorities work within a Pedestrian Zone with extended pavement widths? How should taxi ranks and routes be positioned? 6
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Palma The capital city of Majorca has seen significant growth in car use over the past 30 years. To resolve these issues significant investment was made in light rail systems and bus priorities. A new integrated underground bus and rail station was built in the centre of the town with a civic recreational area built on the surface. Integrated ticketing between all modes has been introduced. The area has now become a central point for outdoor events in the City. Discussion point: Could this approach be used in Aberdeen for Union Terrace Gardens? Would this assist the development of pedestrianisation of Union Street? What are the views of operators, retailers, community groups? 7
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Helsinki The substantial growth in the Finnish economy over the past 25 years saw wide expansion of the city. Existing tram networks were already running to capacity. An integrated plan was designed to improve public transport in the central area. Trams and bus services integrate with the rail network. Demand Responsive Transport services have been introduced to provide door-to-door services linking with fixed line networks. An underground bus station has been built in the city centre to improve air quality and tackle congestion issues. A multi-modal ticketing system with ticket purchase via mobile phones has also been introduced. Discussion point: Could this approach be taken in Aberdeen? Would this encourage redevelopment of Union Street? 8
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Nantes Nantes has a population of around 550,000 with industry based heavily on Airbus technologies. The city shares similar characteristics to Aberdeen being also cut by rivers with bridges causing congestion points. Over the past 20 years Nantes has tackled its problems by the introduction of city centre pedestrianisation while maintaining access for public transport. Car use is prohibited and Park and Ride facilities are provided to link with tram and bus services to access the centre. Motorway access has been reduced to one lane each way for cars with the remaining lanes being converted to Bus Rapid Transit services, providing 30% quicker access by bus compared with car. The Nantes model is a good example of planned modal shift. Discussion point: Could this approach be taken in Aberdeen city centre? Could a network of Park and Ride sites be served by Bus Rapid Transit? 9
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Next steps: Campaign? Although the purpose of any campaign is yet to be decided our recommendation is that a clearly defined specific objective is identified, such as: to create a city centre for the 21 st Century with free flowing access to/from and within the city, supported by state-of-the-art integrated public transport solutions, designed to protect and enhance the environment in Aberdeen while embracing the lifestyle and mobility requirements of a 24/7 society. It is important to interface with significant initiatives such as proposals for city centre redevelopment, the enhanced bus and rail station areas and associated links to the retail, leisure and business needs of the city centre. Aberdeen City and Shire can demonstrate a long-term vision for the future to become one of the most attractive regions in the world. Quick wins and big projects... Without wishing to predetermine or influence the outcome of any future transport study a few quick wins and big projects that could be considered include: Quick wins Extension of bus priority times to 0730 hours from existing 0830 hours and to 1930 with minimal change to signage and traffic orders. King Street, Union Street, Market Street Consideration to making this bus and taxis only. Currently running time from King Street at Union Street to Union Square can take up to 15 minutes at peak time. Alternative routes are available via ring road. Goods delivery in bus lanes - Consideration be given to loading restrictions in bus lanes during operating hours. Restricting right hand turns in King Street. Improved signal-controlled bus priority throughout city centre Improved availability of off-bus season tickets to reduce boarding times Revised public transport network in Aberdeen to meet the current needs of citizens, businesses and visitors Multi-modal integrated ticketing. This is required to simplify the public transport offer and recognise the needs of Shire residents working / visiting Aberdeen and vice versa. High occupancy and freight lanes. These initiatives would assist the competiveness and environmental issues in the city Big projects City centre redevelopment initiatives and potential pedestrianisation of Union Street with bus priorities (see Gothenburg) Multi-modal hubs throughout city to allow small vehicles to feed Bus Rapid Transit routes into and across the city Extended Park and Ride facilities to allow greater access and opportunity for cyclists, scooters, motorbikes, car clubs and Demand Responsive Transport feeder services. Extend car parking provision in housing schemes using green areas between pavement and road as has already been done in several areas. 10
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Contact for further information: Brian Masson, Project Manager, Centre for Transport Research, University of Aberdeen Brian.Masson@abdn.ac.uk Tel: 07957 645202 Prof John Nelson, Centre for Transport Research, University of Aberdeen j.d.nelson@abdn.ac.uk 11
A B E R D E E N : C I T Y O F T H E F U T U R E Castellon BRT Trolleybus 12
Cover Photograph: Union Street, Aberdeen. FirstGroup. All other photographs: Brian Masson. UniPrint University of Aberdeen