Emergency £400k bailout for struggling bus service

Wednesday 27 May 2020

The government has agreed to drive nearly £400,000 of emergency funding into Liberty Bus after the low number of passengers due to the pandemic left it no longer financially viable.

Revenue dropped to what officials described as "negligible" levels when lockdown began in late March.

Following discussions with government, the company has agreed to continuing to provide a service, although it is no longer making any profit.

The situation will be reviewed at the end of June.

Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel signed off on the £399,300 funding this week.

Pictured: Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel.

It means that Liberty Bus will be able to continue operating an essential service to islanders without their own transport.

Infrastructure Minister Deputy Kevin Lewis commented: “Jersey’s public transport network is an essential service to many who don’t own a car, particularly to key workers such as those in the health service, supermarket employees or Islanders who rely upon it for shopping for supplies and attending medical appointments.  

“It is essential that this service is preserved throughout the period in which covid-19-related Government emergency regulations apply, and beyond as we emerge from lockdown.”

Liberty Bus Director Kevin Hart added: “We have always worked in close partnership with the Government of Jersey and continue to do so at this difficult time. We are now in a strong position to get the Island moving again as we work through the exit strategy and build services back up to a more normal level as soon as the demand is there.”