CT Plus plans to win back Guernsey bus contract

CT Plus director Kevin Hart said he was disappointed to lose the bus service contract

Outgoing Guernsey bus operator CT Plus has said it plans to win back the contract to run the island's public transport service in five years.

UK-based Stagecoach won a five-year contract in September to operate the island's scheduled bus routes and integrated school bus routes from April 2025.

Kevin Hart, the director of CT Plus, said he was disappointed the firm lost the contract but the decision was "ultimately down to cost".

"We are having weekly calls with Stagecoach as we want the handover to be as seamless as possible because in five years' time we want to come back and win the contract," he said.

'Tough job'

Mr Hart added: "Cost is a massive factor, and States members have to be doing their best with taxpayer's money.

"Stagecoach needs to be confident that they can deliver what they can, but the way we evaluated it and the margins that we put in, which were very low, they are going to have a tough job to actually make that pay."

Mr Hart said having people locally who knew the island would be key to Stagecoach's success.

"Guernsey is unique, there are roadworks all across the island every day, right the way throughout the year and I think our record is having 19 routes on diversion out of 20," he said.

Deputy Adrian Gabriel said cost was always a factor when spending public money

Deputy Adrian Gabriel, from Environment and Infrastructure, said cost was always a factor as the government had to "spend tax money well".

"It was the strength of response that we got back and the history, the nationwide coverage and the access to suppliers that Stagecoach has," he said.

"As part of ensuring a smooth transition, we asked Stagecoach to consider employing all of the local drivers, retaining all of the local knowledge."

Fergus Dunlop, co-ordinator of the Bus Users Group, said Stagecoach needed to ensure punctuality, reliability and sensible routes

He said the firm should also be prioritising appropriate timetables, clean buses and low fares.

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," he said.