People living in Jersey are benefitting from more frequent, more
comfortable and more reliable services as the island is hailed as
a leading example of how local control can revolutionise bus
travel.
Today (24 April), Local Transport Minister visited Jersey to see
firsthand how operator LibertyBus and the local Government have
worked together to deliver a bus network that puts passengers
first.
Since taking over operations in 2013, LibertyBus has introduced
five new routes and significantly improved passenger satisfaction
by tailoring services to local needs. Their approach has helped
shift 47% of peak-time car users onto buses, easing congestion,
improving air quality, and unlocking new economic and job
opportunities for thousands of people.
The Bus Services Bill is currently passing through Parliament,
and will hand new powers to local authorities across England,
allowing them to adopt franchising models like Jersey's, or
deliver stronger enhanced partnerships with operators. This will
enable authorities to shape services more closely and prioritise
the needs of local passengers to get Britain moving and drive
economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.
While Manchester's Bee Network sets the pace for city regions,
Jersey provides a blueprint for rural and smaller authorities
seeking to boost passenger numbers and deliver high-quality,
community-focused services, supporting local jobs and delivering
growth through the Plan for Change.
Local Transport Minister said:
“Here in beautiful Jersey, I've seen firsthand how well a
franchised bus system can work when it puts passengers
first.
“LibertyBus shows what's possible when local leaders are
empowered to take control—boosting ridership and delivering more
frequent, reliable services.
“That's exactly what we aim to achieve across England through our
upcoming Bus Services Bill, which will expand access to
opportunities and help put more money in the pockets of
hardworking people, in line with our Plan for Change.”
The Bill also includes protections to prevent vital bus services
from being cut without proper local review—particularly important
for rural and disadvantaged communities.
The Government has also recently confirmed a near £38 million
boost to bring 319 new zero emission buses to communities across
England, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in England to
improve bus infrastructure with new bus stops and digital
timetables, introduce more frequent and more reliable buses, and
expand fare discounts.
Kevin Hart, Director of LibertyBus, said:
"We've partnered with the Jersey Government for over 12 years,
delivering a successful model where we take on the revenue risk
while providing a core bus network.
“This allows us to focus on growing ridership and reinvesting
profits into expanding services, including socially necessary
routes, and we've managed to grow annual passenger journeys from
3.2 million to 5.3 million since 2013.
“With the Government providing infrastructure and us delivering
the expertise, the profit-sharing model ensures success is
reinvested into the system. We're proud this approach is being
recognised in the Bus Service Bill and enjoyed showing the
Minister how it works."
