Friday 17 July 2015
Media Enquiry from Guernsey Press:
I had a media enquiry about the replacement of the bus fleet following the BUG AGM.
At the annual meeting of the campaign group there were overwhelming calls for Guernsey's new buses to be smaller, rather than like for like, so there is a mixed fleet available.
They claim that they have been told that small buses cannot be secured, but they have pointed out that Mercedes recently provided Malta with Sprinter buses, with small wing mirrors, that would be considerably smaller.
Could Environment provide an update on the plans to secure new buses?
When are they due to arrive in the island?
Is Environment still looking at smaller buses, or is it planning on like for like?
Could it explain its reason for its choice?
Environment Department Response:
The Environment Department intends to submit a report to the States for consideration at its meeting in September outlining proposals for its bus fleet replacement programme as previously considered by the States in July 2014 as part of the States Capital Investment Portfolio.
Phase one of the programme will provide for the replacement of 12 of the existing fleet, the purchase of two minibuses (one of which has already been secured) and the refurbishment of up to 27 of the existing fleet. In phase one, vehicles will be tendered on the basis of retaining the required carrying capacity to meet peak demands whilst securing vehicles that are smaller than the existing fleet. As they will be expected to carry a similar capacity of passengers they will not, therefore be smaller minibuses.
Subject to the necessary States approval and subsequent tendering processes, it is anticipated that the aforementioned replacement vehicles will be in operation by late summer 2016. It will then be possible to send away up to 27 of the existing fleet for refurbishment on a rolling basis with this process estimated to be completed by early 2017.
Once the key operational requirements of the fleet have been secured through new and refurbished vehicles Phases two and three of the programme can commence, including the option of further smaller and or alternatively fuelled vehicles. This is scheduled for 2018 and 2020.
Contact Information:
Karl Guille, Traffic and Transport Services Manager
Environment Department
Tel: 243400
