£20 bus pas scheme could be extended to all in full-time education

Tuesday 06 December 2022

All islanders in full-time education could receive an unlimited annual bus pass for £20, if politicians back moves by a Reform Deputy.

Deputy Carina Alves said extending the Avanchi18 scheme beyond just under-18 students would encourage more people to use public transport, thereby supporting the island's commitment to reduce carbon emissions, while reducing the cost of bus travel for families.

The £20 cards were introducing following a successful amendment to last year's Government Plan by Deputy Alves' Reform Jersey colleague Deputy Rob Ward.

In a report explaining her suggested amendment to next year's Government Plan, Deputy Alves said: "There are 1,473 students receiving Student Finance funding who would be eligible for the Avanchi18 card if this was extended to students over the age of 19 in full-time education at university in Jersey, the UK and abroad.

"There are a further 99 students studying at Highlands College who do not receive Student Finance funding. There are 37 students studying full-time at Highlands over the age of 19 years on Level 2 and Level 3 courses. There are 148 students who are trainees and apprentices training at Highlands College and a further 320 trainees and apprentices registered with Skills Jersey."

Pictured: Deputy Carina Alves.

She added: "It must be noted that demand is still building up as more young people become aware of, and utilise, the scheme (and it should be remembered that this is a long-term change of behaviour). It will probably be some time before an equilibrium level is reached."

The Government Plan is due to be debated at the States sitting beginning on Monday 12 December.