Low-emission buses pledged as LibertyBus secure contract

Thursday 24 October 2024

LibertyBus has been confirmed as the island's bus service provider for another 10 years – with self-service ticketing and ultra-low emission, high-capacity buses due to replace older vehicles as part of the agreement.

Those changes are due to happen within the first 12 months, and LibertyBus has also committed to a full renewal of its fleet over the life of the contract.

The operator has also pledged to provide a "record-high" number of services – exceeding the number of routes and service frequencies required by the tender – and is also looking to install new self-service ticketing machines.

LibertyBus and its Guernsey equivalent, CT Plus, were both acquired in 2022 by Tower Transit, a subsidiary of Australia’s Kelsian Group. Kelsian, Australia’s largest transport provider, operates services in Singapore, London, and across the Channel Islands.

Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan previously said there had been a "good level" of interest in the contract.

Today, he said the government was "pleased" to continue its partnership with the incumbent operator.

Guernsey, however, is taking a different approach. It confirmed over summer that UK-based operator Stagecoach will be replacing CT Plus, which has been operating Guernsey's bus routes since 2012, when the current contract ends at the end of March next year.

Jersey's Infrastructure Minister said the new contract "reflects the government’s commitment to improving public transport while supporting our carbon-neutral ambitions", adding: "We are pleased to continue our partnership with LibertyBus and look forward to seeing the positive impact of the new buses and service for islanders.” 

Pictured: Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said he was "pleased" with the new arrangement.

Samuel Ribeiro, the managing director of Tower Transit, said: "We are delighted to have renewed the partnership with the Government of Jersey to continue to provide exceptional bus services for the next 10 years. 

"This agreement will see continued investment in fleet replacement, including zero-emission vehicles. Our aim is to build on the network of services and support the Government of Jersey’s plans to deliver increased modal shift over the next decade.”

Clint Feuerherdt, CEO and Managing Director of Kelsian Group, added: “The UK sees Jersey as a model case for successful bus franchising”, and we are proud to have contributed to its ongoing success. We will continue to utilise our leading experience in zero-emission solutions to deliver a world class transport experience, tailored to the Jersey community.”