They want the States to give an extra £1.9m. to the Environment & Infrastructure Committee to fund a pilot offering free public transport.
The two deputies said the cost would be only a small part of the unexpected windfall from Pillar Two corporate tax revenues, but would bring a range of benefits.
‘This amendment directly supports a strategic objective already adopted by the States through the Integrated Transport Strategy while providing measurable benefits to households and the wider economy.’
They said the Budget itself recognises Pillar Two revenues may be used for initiatives that remove barriers to taking part in the economy and improve infrastructure and connectivity.
Deputies Rochester and Le Brun also argued that free buses would offer relief to hard-pressed households worried about the introduction of GST.
‘Against that background, it is important that islanders are able to see practical benefits from the improved government revenue position now available,’ they said.
‘Free public transport would provide a direct reduction in household expenditure, particularly for lower and middle income families who are disproportionately affected by transport costs.’
They said the move would encourage more people to use buses and fewer to rely on cars. That, in turn, would cut congestion, which adds to pollution and driver stress and reduces economic activity.
They also pointed out that taxpayers already meet most of the cost of the bus service, with the committee budgeting about £5.7m. for passenger transport.
‘Removing fares would remove one of the principal barriers to bus use, increase patronage, and help normalise public transport as a first-choice mode of travel for more islanders.’
They said more bus use would help curb traffic growth, improve access for people without a car and make transport fairer across the community. It would also cut emissions as the bus fleet moves to zero emissions.
The deputies said there should be a ‘community dividend’ from Pillar Two. Much of the debate about the windfall has focused on the States’ finances and economic development, and while these remain priorities, they said there is a strong case for the wider community to share in the benefits.
‘Free public transport would provide a highly visible and universally accessible benefit that would be experienced daily by residents across all parishes,’ they said.
‘It would demonstrate that the proceeds of Pillar Two can be used not only to strengthen public finances but also to improve the daily lives of islanders.’
You need to be logged in to comment.