Between January and June of this year 899,403 passenger journeys were recorded, compared to 842,935 during the same period in 2018, which was an increase of 56,468 passenger journeys or 6.7%.

Since 2013, passenger journeys in the same period increased by more than a quarter of a million, equivalent to a rise of 42%.

For July, passenger growth has been described as having 'exceeded all expectations' with a total of 217,758 passenger journeys on scheduled public bus services, up 8.9% on July 2018. The total surpasses the previous monthly record set in August 2018 at 209,130.

Deputy Mark Dorey, Vice-President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, said:

“The number of journeys undertaken during the first seven months of 2019 has exceeded all expectations and has built on the successes achieved over the previous 5 years.

“The 2019 timetable, introduced in April, provides a similar level of services to 2018 but has seen a number of changes, including the provision of later services on certain routes enabling islanders and tourists alike to make the most of the lighter summer evenings.

“Growth in passenger numbers has been experienced across the broad range of journey types available with the biggest increases seen in Pay and You Go, £5 Day Fares and Unlimited monthly pass journeys. Overall, the percentage of fare paying passengers remains at 80% thus ensuring that fare income has also increased over this period.”