Deputy Andy Cameron, Member of E&I and Political Lead on Sport on ESC said it's a great idea to keep the island moving.

“During the games we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for both visitors and residents to get around the island to enjoy what I’m sure will be a fantastic Island Games," he said.

Pictured: Ross Yeates (l) and Jemima Green (r) are both swimming for Guernsey at the 2023 Island Games. 

Deputy Cameron continued: "We’ll have a lot of visitors at a time when there will be a significant number of road closures and suspension of public parking to facilitate the events, so we’re keen to do what we can do to reduce pressure on our road network and avoid potential congestion. We want the Games to be a positive experience for everyone in Guernsey, whether they live here or whether they’re visiting for the first time.

“Part of this is about supporting the smooth running of transport for competitors and other visitors, of course, but we hope locals who don’t normally catch the bus might give it a try.”

Up to three thousand visitors are expected to descend on Guernsey for the Island Games, which take place from Saturday 8 July until Friday 14 July.

States schools don't break up for summer until the following week, meaning drop off and pick up times will still be busy, and many people won't have left the island for their own summer holiday yet.

Dame Mary Perkins, Chair of the Guernsey 2023 NatWest International Island Games Organising Committee, agreed that the free daytime buses will have a big impact during the busy week.

“We are delighted to hear the news about free bus travel for locals and visitors alike for the week of the Games. With nearly 3,000 team members expected from 24 islands, we know that the roads will be busy, particularly around our sporting venues. We hope that the free bus travel will enable people to get to as many events as possible, cheer on all of the participants and show them a real Guernsey welcome.”

The free bus journeys will start the day before the games on Friday 7 July, when many visitors are expected to arrive, and will continue until the end of the games on the following Friday.

All regular daytime services will be included in the free offer. Late-night Friday and Saturday buses will still be charged with only contactless cards and puffin passes accepted as payment.