A planned overhaul of Guernsey’s bus network remains under review, with revised proposals expected in the next few months following public consultation and political scrutiny.
Deputy Adrian Gabriel, President of Environment and Infrastructure (E&I), confirmed that proposed changes – first put forward earlier this year – have been paused and are now being reconsidered in light of feedback.
The original package of reforms, reported in January, aimed to improve punctuality and efficiency by reshaping routes and cutting some underused services.
Responding to a series of questions from Deputy John Gollop in the States, Deputy Gabriel said the work had not been abandoned.
“The proposals to amend and improve the scheduled bus service remain ongoing,” he said.
“The public consultation exercise was well engaged with… and the proposals were reviewed in light of the responses received.”
He added that the committee was due to receive revised proposals in the next few months, before any changes are implemented.
Further consultation
Deputy Gabriel insisted that public feedback would remain central to the process, with further opportunities for engagement once updated plans were ready.
“The public and consumer groups will have ample opportunity to make their views known on any revised proposals,” he said.
Deputy Gollop also raised concerns about the potential impact on specific services, including routes serving the hospital, airport and western parishes.
Electric buses
The debate also turned to the island’s new electric buses, which entered service earlier this year following a period of driver training.
Deputy Gollop questioned whether the vehicles were being used regularly on all routes, particularly at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, amid suggestions they face practical challenges.
Deputy Gabriel rejected claims the buses were unsuitable, insisting they are proven models already in use internationally and capable of operating across the network.
However, he acknowledged that day-to-day deployment is decided by Stagecoach, not the States, and depends on operational factors such as vehicle and driver availability.
He added that drivers had undergone up to two months of training to familiarise themselves with the new vehicles.
