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Proposal for free bus service scrapped
Guernsey deputies Sally Rochester and Ross Le Brun have withdrawn a proposal for a year-long free bus pilot from next year’s budget. They said concerns from operator Stagecoach about whether busy routes could handle extra passengers made the plan unworkable for now.
The amendment had sought £1.9 million to make the existing public transport service free. Rochester said more buses and an expanded Stagecoach contract might be needed, and the deputies plan to work with the Environment and Infrastructure Committee on a future proposal. Stagecoach said it supports making bus travel more accessible, provided the network has enough capacity to maintain reliable services.
In short
- Guernsey’s free bus pilot proposal has been withdrawn.
- The plan sought £1.9 million for a one-year trial.
- Deputies may revisit it if bus capacity can be expanded.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A free bus pilot could make public transport more accessible, ease travel costs for residents and encourage a shift from cars. The deputies’ proposal also offered a practical way to test whether removing fares would increase use and support wider transport goals.
The case against
Making buses free without first ensuring enough capacity could overcrowd busy routes and undermine reliability for existing passengers. A £1.9 million pilot may therefore be premature if additional buses or a larger operator contract are needed; planning capacity first could make a future scheme more workable.
Explained simply
Guernsey’s buses are run by Stagecoach under a contract with the island’s government. The Environment and Infrastructure Committee oversees transport policy, while deputies can put forward proposals for how public money is spent.
Making bus journeys free would remove fares for passengers, with the government covering the cost instead. The proposal was estimated to need £1.9 million for a year, and its practical effects would depend on whether buses and services could meet passenger demand.