Guernsey’s ongoing housing crisis has now sparked problems for the island’s bus service – with Stagecoach unable to find accommodation for cover drivers this summer.
A number of routes have been cancelled in recent weeks – some without notice, leaving passengers waiting for buses that never arrived.
Stagecoach has acknowledged the disruption, apologised to passengers, and explained that it was down to accommodation problems.
“The recent disruption was an isolated incident,” said a spokesperson for Stagecoach.
“The loss of use of one of our employee accommodation properties temporarily affected our ability to bring additional drivers to the island, leaving us with limited cover when unexpected employee absences occurred.”
Stagecoach has now been able to move its drivers back into the previous accommodation, easing pressure on its services.
The company spokesperson also confirmed more drivers are being recruited.
“The accommodation arrangements have now been resolved, drivers are moving back into the property and recruitment has resumed.
“We expect additional drivers to arrive in Guernsey over the next couple of weeks, further strengthening our employee levels.
“We apologise to customers who were affected by the recent isolated disruption.”
Stagecoach Southwest has run Guernsey’s bus service since April 2025, when it took over the contract from CT Plus, which had run the service since 2012.
Environment and Infrastructure (E&I) has political responsibility for public transport, and the States’ Head of On-Island Travel, Laura Oxburgh, confirmed it is monitoring Stagecoach’s performance as part of the contract.
She said E&I has a good working relationship with Stagecoach, but it will impose penalties if the standard falls below what is expected.
“As part of the contract with the agreed service provider we continue to monitor performance via monthly reports we receive, which are developed upon the key requirements and KPIs within the contract,” she said.
“Upon receiving the monthly report, consideration is given as to whether the service provider has met or exceeded the expected standard.
“If the acceptable standard has not been met, the reasons for this are explored and then consideration is given as to whether any penalties should be applied.
“We maintain a positive relationship with current service provider Stagecoach as we continue to engage openly via the monthly reporting processes.”
