Guernsey bus passenger group to be more independent

Guernsey's Bus Users Group has announced it will no longer accommodate members of the bus operating company or the island's Environment Department.

Fergus Dunlop, the group's chairman, said having their representatives at meetings made bus users "shy about talking freely, internally".

However, he said the group was keen to consult with CT Plus, the company due to run the island's buses from 1 April.

Mr Dunlop said the group would hold a public meeting on 31 March.

He said it had 25 members but it was looking to attract more.

He described CT Plus, which reinvests the profits from its commercial work into further transport services, as "almost a charity".

The company describes itself as a "social enterprise".

It was chosen in January by the Environment Department from six tendering companies, following a decision by Island Coachways to pull out of negotiations for a new contract.