Higher bus fares for visitors 'sends wrong message'

CHARGING visitors more to use the bus could be regarded as unwelcoming, Commerce and Employment has warned.

And that is the opposite of what the approach should be, the department which runs the campaign to attract tourists said.

In its submission to the consultation on the island's bus services, the department outlined its views on the changes and said its main focus was the impact on the visitor market.

'We do not feel that stating residency as the criteria by which one can own an Ormer card sends the right message to visitors,' said the Commerce and Employment Department.

HCT Group communications director Frank Villeneuve-Smith said tourists would be offered a new pass system, which would give them good value for multiple journeys, such as a £4.50 one-day pass, £7.50 two-day pass and a £19 seven-day pass.