'Town loop' bus trial set for summer

Saturday 16 January 2021

Trials for a bus service looping around town and St. Helier’s residential areas is to be trialled in the summer.

The Government has said that the service will link destinations including Liberation Station, the Hospital, Town Hall, Town Market and the northern residential areas.

They also suggested it will provide a foundation for future transport links, such as when the new site at Overdale is built.

Pictured: The loop will begin at Liberation Station and take travellers to main spots around town.

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.”

Pictured: It's hoped the trial will lead the way for future sustainable transport to the new hospital at Overdale.

Infrastructure Minister Deputy Kevin Lewis commented: “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.”

St. Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft added: “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.”