No Electric Buses Yet For Guernsey

Friday, 1 December 2023 08:36

LibertyBus in Jersey begins running its first new buses on 4 December, but States funding priorities mean Guernsey will have to wait.

There have been trials of electric buses in both Guernsey and Jersey this year, to see how they cope with the hilly terrain and the small island roads.

Colin le Page of Traffic and Highways says any moves to electrify Guernsey's fleet will have to wait, following the recent States debate on spending priorities:

“Investigating the potential to replace some of the bus fleet, as part of Phase 3 of the Bus Fleet Replacement programme, has commenced. However, through the recently approved Funding and Investment Plan, the States has since agreed that this project should be moved into the list of pipeline projects which may delay this work."

Mr le Page says fleet electrification remains an aspiration:

“With transport still Guernsey’s biggest contributor of greenhouse gases, the Committee remains keen to see the introduction of non-hydrocarbon powered buses. Bus trials have taken place in Guernsey, which have gone very well."

LibertyBus took delivery of its new electric vehicles this week.

Credit: LibertyBus

Kevin Hart is in charge of both the Guernsey and Jersey bus companies:

"We are thrilled to introduce electric buses to the LibertyBus fleet. This represents a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. The adoption of electric buses not only aligns with our environmental responsibilities but also enhances the overall travel experience for our passengers."