The figures, released by Environment & Infrastructure in response to written questions from Deputy John Gollop, showed 382,262 journeys in the three months from January to March.
In March alone, the month before Stagecoach took over the franchise from CT Plus, there were over 140,000 journeys, almost 4,000 more than in March 2019.
E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez said that the island had seen a 34% increase in bus passenger numbers over the last 12 years.
‘The new contract with Stagecoach aims to build on this success, with the contract focusing on a safe, reliable and efficient service with the objective to continue to increase bus usage year on year,’ she said.
She added that the feedback received on Stagecoach to date had been extremely positive.
‘Customers have commented on improved cleanliness of the vehicles, and buses running on time, along with the improvements made to the website and continued app provision,’ she said.
‘However, it must be recognised that total bus numbers are also dependent on external factors, such as the number of visitors and major events. For example, we saw increases in bus use over the shoulder months during 2024, indicating an increase in regular users, but there was a reduction during the summer months relating to fewer visitors.’
Fergus Dunlop from the Bus Users Group said he was encouraged by the numbers and hoped they would continue to grow under Stagecoach’s stewardship.
‘Credit to Stagecoach for having a smooth transition, the last time we changed provider was not smooth at all,’ he said.
‘Stagecoach have played it very carefully. They haven’t tried to change any timetables or routes, and they’ve taken on the previous team. The Bus Tracker was a problem for a little while, but when you think what could have gone wrong I would say it’s been exemplary.’
He added that credit should also go to CT Plus.
‘They continued to provide the service up until the very last bus on the very last night of March,’ he said.
‘I actually rode the last bus and gave the driver a bottle of champagne, although I’m not sure he actually realised he was the last bus.’
‘They’re still providing a service in Jersey, and I think they were slightly stunned to lose the Guernsey contracts, and theoretically they would try and bid to get it back again one day.’
He said he believed there could be a customer survey in the near future.
‘The next stage is going to be collecting suggestions from people, and if they do start introducing changes, it’ll probably won’t be before September.’
Unlike in the UK where Stagecoach operate a large number of services, the States are responsible for setting the bus fare options and routes.
Deputy de Sausmarez said E&I had been conscientious in protecting the affordability of the bus service.
‘Especially given the cost-of-living pressures that people are experiencing, and especially for people on low incomes or who for any other reason don’t have access to private transport,’ she said.
‘So for as long as this committee has anything to do with it, we will continue to ensure that we are maximising the reach of the bus service, whilst maintaining affordable fares.’
Stagecoach South West CEO Peter Knight will be speaking at the Bus User’s Group AGM at the St Martin’s Community Centre, at 3pm on Saturday 24 May.
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