LibertyBus has announced the arrival of new buses designed by a Turkish manufacturer that are due to enter service in the coming weeks as part of a push towards sustainable travel.
The 22 new buses will replace 22 of the fleet’s oldest vehicles as part of a £5m investment by LibertyBus – the first since the operator signed a ten-year contract with the government last year to continue as Jersey’s main bus provider.
That deal with LibertyBus, which is owned by the Australian-based Tower Transit Group, contained a stipulation that 22 ultra-low-emission high-capacity buses would replace older vehicles.
The new buses have been produced by Turkish manufacturer Otokar. More than 5,000 of the same models, named Vectio C, are used across Europe in busy urban areas with challenging narrow roads.
Jersey’s new fleet has been specifically modified to increase seating capacity and include modern features such as onboard phone charging points, a passenger announcement system for upcoming stops, and display screens.
The buses also feature an induction loop to support passengers with hearing impairments.
Otokar’s head of international sales, Berkan Sağlam, said the company is “confident the public of Jersey won’t be disappointed with our product”.
LibertyBus director Kevin Hart added that the move represents “a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable travel”.
“This not only aligns with our environmental responsibilities but also enhances the overall travel experience for our passengers,” he said.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said: “I am really pleased with the progress that has been made to try and find suitable buses to join our island fleet.
“Successfully bringing these buses into service is the culmination of hard work and perseverance to overcome some of the challenges we have in Jersey with our narrow roads and I am looking forward to seeing them serve the island.”
One of the new buses will be on display to the public in the Royal Square from 4pm this Thursday 11 December.
The new additions to the fleet are due to be in operation from early in the new year on the main network.