Stagecoach takes over island's bus services

The appearance of the buses will stay the same for now

UK-based bus operator Stagecoach has taken over the running of Guernsey's bus services.

The firm secured a five-year tender to take over from previous island operator CT Plus in September 2024.

Environment and Infrastructure Committee Vice-President Deputy Adrian Gabriel said he was expecting a "smooth transition" in the coming weeks with new buses also in the pipeline.

He said there was "strength in using a national provider" with experience operating in rural communities "similar to that of Guernsey".

Peter Knight, managing director of Stagecoach South West, said it was a "great opportunity" for the company.

He said he hoped to "improve the provision of local public transport" and "bring some expertise from the UK to assist the States of Guernsey with provision and planning of public transport".

New buses

Stagecoach will take on most of the staff from CT Plus, which had run the service since 2012.

Gabriel said there would be no change to the livery of the existing buses and talks were being finalised to bring a number of new States-owned buses.

Two Stagecoach-branded buses will also join the fleet from this week to ensure services run at capacity.

A new buses.gg website, Facebook page and app had previously been announced.

Stagecoach is set to run the service for the next five years, after which it can opt to continue for a further two years.

'Contingency measures'

Where recruiting drivers has been an issue in the past, Gabriel said he was confident Stagecoach had the experience to address any future staffing challenges.

"They have drivers and contingency measures in the UK to draw on," he said.

Mr Knight added that recruitment was "a challenge they are well aware of", but he was optimistic Stagecoach can look at ways of improving the recruitment and retention of drivers.

The States said there would be no immediate changes to bus routes or fares as part of the new contract.

Any credit or time remaining on existing Puffinpasses will also be carried forward to use on the new services.