Bus travel ‘never been a better option’ as new timetable set to launch
Additional weekend and evening services being introduced
NEW BUS timetables are to come into effect across Shetland from Monday 17 August.
Additional evening and weekend services are being introduced, providing greater flexibility for people travelling for work, leisure, social activities and appointments.
Shetland Islands Council said the changes across the local bus network are designed to improve accessibility, increase travel opportunities, and better support the needs of current and future bus passengers.
Transport partnership ZetTrans has updated the timetables after feedback from passengers, communities and stakeholders following public consultations in late 2024.
The enhanced network includes:
- Additional evening journeys on Service 9 (Lerwick to Walls via Aith) and Service 23 (Lerwick to Mossbank/Toft)
- Introduction of Sunday services on Services 9 and 23
- Introduction of a bookable overland service for the North Isles on Sundays (Services 24V, 28, 29, 30)
- Reconfiguration of Service 19 (Lerwick to Vidlin)
- Improved health centre connections for Fetlar, Vidlin and Nesting areas
- Improved connections to/from Holmsgarth ferry terminal in Lerwick
- Re-routing of Service 6 (Lerwick to Sumburgh) and Service 7 (Bigton and Quendale Feeder)
Full timetable information will be available before the launch date on the ZetTrans website, the Shetland Travel App and through the Traveline Scotland journey planner.
Passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new timetables before travelling, as departure times on some services may have changed. Paper copies of the timetables will also be available locally, at shops, leisure centres, health centres and Shetland Library.
ZetTrans chairwoman Moraig Lyall, who is also the chair of the council’s environment and transport committee, said the changes “represent one of the most significant improvements to Shetland’s bus network in recent years.”
“The changes have been shaped by the valuable feedback we received during our public consultation, and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to share their views,” she said.
“The additional evening and weekend services will give people more opportunities to travel by bus, whether they’re commuting to work, attending activities, visiting friends and family or enjoying everything Shetland has to offer.
“We hope these improvements will encourage more people to choose public transport as a convenient, reliable and sustainable way to travel.
“Coupled with the £2 bus fare cap, bus travel has never been a better option for getting about Shetland.”
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