Guernsey Press

Bus passenger figures up 11%

BUS passenger figures are on the rise, with more than 375,000 people riding on the service during the first quarter of 2019.

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(Picture By Steve Sarre, 24444928)

That is an increase of 37,292 – 11% – compared with the same period in 2018.

While there was disruption last spring due to snow in February and March, this is believed to have only led to a drop of 5,000 passenger journeys.

Environment & Infrastructure vice-president Mark Dorey said he was pleased with the rise.

‘The bus service continues to go from strength to strength with significant passenger growth experienced over the shoulder months, which reflects the value of the service to the local community,’ he said.

‘Overall, passenger journeys on the network have increased by an incredible 44.7% in just five years. Journeys undertaken during the ‘commuter peak’ also rose by a healthy 7.5% during the first quarter meaning that the scheduled bus service continues to offer a practical alternative means of transport for many island workers.’

The biggest rise came in March, with 14% more passengers than the same month last year. The smallest rise came in January, with 7.6% more people on the bus.

Deputy Dorey said the increase was partly due to there being a frequent, reliable service

‘Together with a ‘live times’ app, free public wi-fi on the buses and improved waiting facilities both at the Town Terminus and at various other locations around the island, things are looking extremely healthy for the island’s public bus service,’ Deputy Dorey said.

‘Importantly the service is now carrying significantly more passengers than the previous ‘peak’ in 2010 when records in the current format were first introduced and there is every reason to be optimistic for the future.’

A revised 2019 timetable is due to be introduced on Monday 29 April, which will include a number of additional services running later into the evening during the summer months. It is hoped that contactless payment will be introduced by the middle of the summer.