More that 2,000 children sign up for free bus travel since launch

Monday 25 April 2022

More than 2,000 children have been issued with a £20-a-year bus pass since the scheme was launched five weeks ago.

The level of uptake was revealed in the States Assembly today. In total, 2,280 cards have been issued so far with 19 currently being processed.

Transport Minister Kevin Lewis said that the under-18s pass – which came out from a backbench amendment to the Government Plan in December – had been “very successful” since the ‘Avanchi18’ trial began on 21 March.

For a one-off £20 fee, a child can then board any public or school bus without paying until their next birthday.

It has been estimated that the scheme will cost around £610,000 with full take up, taking account of the revenue that the £20 charge will bring in. 

The scheme is funded by taxpayers and not LibertyBus itself.

Deputy Lewis said that the pilot would be reviewed in September, which would include interviews with students.

The pass was proposed by Deputy Rob Ward, who put forward the amendment to the Government Plan 2022-2025 to encourage more people to use the bus, reduce school traffic and ease the cost burden on low-income families.

He estimated the change would save families around £260 annually, as return trips to and from school with a student Avanchi card across a week would total £8.50.

The proposal passed with 23 votes in favour and 20 against.

Children must go to the bus station in person with a filled-in form to receive their pass, which also requires a photo to be taken.