A bus service which will loop around St Helier, linking key destinations such as Liberation Station, the General Hospital, Town Hall, Town Market and the northern residential areas is to be trialled.
The new bus service will be frequent and easy to use to reduce the need for car use in central St Helier and increase accessibility for Town residents who rely on bus services.
By connecting to the main bus transport network, the trial service will make it easier for Town residents to get to other parts of the Island, and for bus users living outside St Helier to get to their end destination, rather than having to walk from Liberation Station. This will be a particular benefit to users with heavy shopping or with a mobility impairment.
The trial will enable us to establish a foundation from which we can expand the service, including providing a sustainable transport link to the new hospital site at Overdale as that project progresses.
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “Our aim is to work towards creating a more sustainable and vibrant economy, which means improving our transport and infrastructure links especially as we look to making St Helier a more desirable place to live, work, do business and visit.
“By connecting to the main bus transport network, the trial service will make it easier for Town residents to get to other parts of the Island, and for bus users living outside St Helier to get to their end destination such as for instance the hospital and markets, rather than having to walk from Liberation Station.
“This project meets the objectives set out in the Government’s Common Strategic Policies of meeting Islanders’ environmental and social needs, and I hope that the trial will prove such a success that it becomes a permanent part of our infrastructure.”
The trial scheme is expected to be launched in summer 2021 and to run for at least one year. The trial will be evaluated as part the Sustainable Transport Policy’s action plans, which provide for the future development of the bus service.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Kevin Lewis, said: “Last April, LibertyBus introduced transfer tickets, which are the same price as a current single ticket, these reduced the cost of travel for anyone needing to take two buses to get to their destination. This service will fit well with that offer, and will be considered within the objectives of the Sustainable Transport Policy,
“Officers are working with LibertyBus to determine the scheme’s details, including the route and fare structure. I look forward to assessing the impact of the trial.”
The Connétable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft of said: “I am pleased a town bus service of this nature has been proposed, it is a welcome step towards more connectivity and mobility for town residents and for those who enjoy St Helier and all of the facilities. This proposed trial is also positive step towards delivering the Sustainable Transport Policy.”
Government of Jersey News Release.