Bus defeat over help for contract

ENVIRONMENT has been told to think again over renewing its multi-million pound bus contract.

It suffered a defeat in the States yesterday over plans to employ more consultants to review the service in readiness for going out to open tender for a new contract to start in 2012.

Deputies criticised the planned expenditure, following a suggestion that it could have cost up to £100,000, because they believed the department should be capable of doing the job itself.

Members also suggested that everyone was already well aware of the problems that existed with the bus service.

After the debate, Environment minister Peter Sirett said the department would have to work around the decision.

'I'm disappointed because our proposal was the way we should be going,' said Deputy Sirett.

The department wanted consultants to investigate issues including service frequency, changing the type of bus, and the terms of the contract, which some argued was too generous to current holders Island Coachways.