Bus services cut as passenger numbers fall

Saturday 28 March 2020

Guernsey's buses will be running weekend services seven days a week from now on, as the corona virus pandemic forces people to stay inside.

While bus services had continued running as scheduled this week, even after the lockdown was announced on Tuesday evening, passenger numbers have been very low - as only essential workers were allowed to carry on doing their jobs.

Everyone else is meant to be staying indoors except for brief periods to shop for essential items, for medical appointments or to exercise. 

With the expected decrease in passenger numbers being apparent, CT Plus has decided that it will run a Sunday service today and tomorrow, and over future weekends, and then a Saturday service on weekdays going forward, until the pandemic is under control.

The bus company admitted that the change in schedules won't suit everybody's needs, and it has offered to tailor the timetables to enable key workers to get to where they need to be on time.

Any passengers are also reminded that they can only pay by card or puffin pass for now.

This is to enable cashless journeys to protect bus drivers. Passengers are also asked to observe social distancing onboard and to be vigilant with hand washing an hygiene while using public transport. 

Traffic and Highway Services also wanted to thank CT Plus and its drivers for "the sterling work that they are doing on behalf of the community at this difficult time and to thank the public for their understanding".

 A number of taxi services are also continuing to operate for anyone relying on pubic transport at this time.

They are also asking passengers to observe social distancing and hand washing guidance, and to pay by card where possible.