Stagecoach South West is looking to axe the P2 Parish Link, 60 and 94 services, but will compensate for these losses by making several other changes. It is also intending to significantly extend the routes for the four night bus services on Friday and Saturday nights.
‘Since taking on the operation of Guernsey’s bus services, our priority has been to work closely with the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure to understand how the network is performing and where it can be improved,’ said managing director Peter Knight.
‘By analysing detailed operational and customer data, we have identified opportunities to make services more punctual, reliable and easier to understand, while better connecting people to the places that matter most to them.
‘These proposed changes are about making the best possible use of existing resources to deliver a simpler, more resilient network that meets the needs of both islanders and visitors, and we welcome feedback as part of this consultation process.’
The Environment & Infrastructure Committee is bringing the proposals forward following discussions with Stagecoach, at no net additional cost.
Beyond the cancelled services, the most significant changes are seen on the 51 and 52 routes, which serve the L’Aumone area via the north of St Peter Port. They will no longer pass Elizabeth Avenue and the Bouet, but will take in key community locations including the hospital, Footes Lane, Beau Sejour and the harbour, creating a ‘town circular’ route. Some routes will see more buses running, and paper tickets now will be issued only on request.
E&I president Adrian Gabriel said that it was ‘really important’ that the changes proved to be cost neutral.
‘Increasing and improving services means that we have to make adjustments elsewhere. I’m confident, however, that this improves Guernsey bus offering as a whole, improving punctuality, increasing coverage and continuing to make bus travel a more attractive choice.’
Deputy Gabriel said that it was positive working with Stagecoach.
‘Our partners at Stagecoach have provided us with a strong data-driven evidence base to inform these proposed changes.
‘They have again proved their worth and this highlights the benefit of partnering with the UK’s largest bus and coach operator.
‘While some members of the travelling public might have reservations about change, I can reassure them that the changes being proposed are based on evidence and will ensure that resources are allocated more efficiently across the wider transport network.’
All four night bus routes which operate on Friday and Saturday nights between 9.30 and 1am will be extended if proposals for changes are approved.
Route N1 to the north of the island will take in the Capelles and Rue Sauvage area, diverting from Oatlands and rejoining the scheduled route at Sandy Hook.
N2 to the west of the island will see buses extend their route along the west coast from Grandes Rocques to Pleinheaume before rejoining the existing route at Saumarez Park.
The N3 south will take in more stops in St Saviour’s and St Peter’s between L’Eree and Route des Paysans, and the N4, which largely serves the central parishes, will take in much more of the south of the Castel parish, into St Saviour’s and St Peter’s.
It is proposed that night bus fares remain at £5 a journey.
All the proposed changes can be viewed at gov.gg/bustimetable. Feedback is invited on the changes before Sunday 8 February in writing to passengertransport@gov.gg. Stagecoach is also planning two drop-ins with management at its bus terminus shop, between 4-6pm on Tuesday and 12-2 on Wednesday next week.
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