Use them or lose them, says bus user group

BUS services in Guernsey will collapse if subsidies are withdrawn, according to Bus Users' Group coordinator Fergus Dunlop.

But it is up to islanders to support the service.

A charity has been launched to encourage use of Guernsey's public transport system. Mr Dunlop set it up in conjunction with artist Peter Le Vasseur in an effort to double the number of people using the buses.

He said the island was ideal for public transport, but the vehicles were often empty.

'To get buses where we want them when we want them we have to justify the investment – which means starting to use existing buses.'

The group had nothing against cars, he said, but for a car driver never to use public transport was disgraceful.

He said the £3.62m. saving the service could make over five years, which the Fundamental Spending Review had identified, could be gained from paid parking. 'If the money was cut but free parking remained, I would not understand,' he said. 'The buses are a vulnerable target, but who will stand up for them?'

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