Five companies express interest in bus service

FIVE companies have expressed an interest in filling the void left by Island Coachways and operating an interim bus service, Environment has revealed.

But potential operators will have to, as part of the tendering process announced yesterday, help find a suitable site for a bus garage, which has been a long-running problem for the department.

It is also unclear how much the new contract could cost taxpayers, as it would need to be negotiated by Environment once a preferred provider was identified.

The department has until 31 March to find a solution after negotiations to renew the contract with Island Coachways broke down.