A TOWN deputy has called for the entire bus network to be reviewed. John Gollop wants to see smaller vehicles running regular routes more frequently and late into the night.
‘There are things wrong with the network. There are issues with duplication and I see areas which are oversupplied and others are undersupplied,’ he said.
‘In the 60s, every route would run until around 10.45pm. Now most of them are finished by about 6.’
Deputy Gollop, who sits on the Scrutiny Committee, doubted the cash generated from paid parking would be enough to pay for changes to the bus service, which is run by Island Coachways on behalf of the Environment Department.
‘The 15p an hour charge will only raise around £1m. I estimate they need closer to £2.5m.’
In addition to the States-subsidised services, Universal Limos runs night buses from Town to the Bridge and the airport.
‘I want to support both companies, especially Island Coachways - though a little competition is always good,’ said Deputy Gollop, a regular bus user.
‘It is run very economically compared with Jersey. But the drivers have to work very long hours and a few have voiced their concerns about being overworked.’
Deputy Gollop, recently made chairman of pedestrian safety group Steps, is drawing up a new network plan.
It is designed for drivers to work in two shifts, easing pressure on them and reducing congestion.
He believed it was important to make the job of bus driver attractive again. ‘The younger drivers are migrant workers from all parts of Europe. Gone are the days when it was all local drivers,’ he said.
‘I think we need less bureaucracy for transport generally. I’m supporting freedom of choice for a much better bus service.
‘I also welcome the next generation of smaller buses so the smaller vehicles can handle some of the trickier roads.’
He said a later service would allow islanders to go out for a drink without having to pay a taxi fare home.
Deputy Gollop was disappointed the tourist train was not going ahead in St Peter Port.
‘It would have made Town a little it more fun,’ he said.
Environment minister David De Lisle was not available for comment.
Article posted on 1st May, 2007 - 12.00am
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