Mainly invisible transition expected for the first few weeks of Guernsey's new bus contract, but incoming operator Stagecoach promises electric buses to come.
Stagecoach took over the routes from CT Plus this morning (1 April) with the first bus, the 95, away from the Town Terminus at 5.50am, exactly as it would have done under the old operator.
It is understood that staff have signed new employment contracts with Stagecoach so the bus drivers are the same.
Deputy Adrian Gabriel is the vice president of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure which manages the bus contract for the States:
“A significant amount of effort by all parties has been dedicated behind the scenes to ensure a seamless transition to the buses being operated by Stagecoach.
"We’re particularly pleased that Stagecoach will be transferring locally-based staff across, ensuring that continuity and experience is maintained, while embracing the ethos and values of Stagecoach."
The only outward change on the buses themselves on day one is a logo on the upper front side of the bus which reads 'This bus is operated by Stagecoach.'
The company runs services in the south west of England and its regional MD, Peter Knight, says this is a good fit with the Guernsey operation:
"This important and high profile contract provides us with the opportunity to bring safe, high quality bus services to the island over the coming years - keeping these communities connected to the people and places that matter most.”
Stagecoach has imported two of its buses into Guernsey to provide capacity in the first few weeks.
It is promising that it will add six new buses to the fleet, two of which will be electric.
The website has been upgraded and the bus App has been refreshed.
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