New shelters to encourage bus users

Tuesday 08 February 2022

New bus shelters with solar lighting are being erected across the island thanks to a request by a local pedestrian safety group.

States' Traffic and Highway Services, which is part of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure, hopes to install five or six new shelters in the next 12 to 18 months.

A new shelter has already been installed at L’Islet (pictured top). And planning permission has been granted for more at Le Four Cabot, Les Mielles and Rue Maze. 

The need for more bus shelters was raised by Pat Wisher at last year's annual general meeting of the Bus Users' Group. Ms Wisher is Secretary of Living Streets Guernsey.

“I am totally dependent on buses as I no longer drive," said Ms Wisher.

"I am lucky that I live at Pleinmont where I have a bus shelter. I made a list [of where shelters were needed] when I was on the number 91 bus route around the island.

"I was surprised to see how few bus shelters were installed at popular tourist areas, such as Fort Grey and Pembroke, and parish centres like Cobo and L’Islet.

“There is no doubt in my mind that more islanders would consider using the bus service if we had more shelters. It can be really miserable waiting for a bus in the pouring rain and high winds.”

Pictured: Schoolchildren and adult passengers could find it more convenient and comfortable to catch the bus if they can wait at bus stops with covered shelters. 

Colin Le Page, Licensing and Operations Manager of Traffic and Highway Services, said the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure is keen to hear suggestions from islanders about potential sites for additional shelters.

“We would also welcome any suggestions for existing shelters that are particularly dark and would benefit from the installation of solar lighting”, said Mr Le Page. 

“The Committee is also supportive of suggestions for bespoke designs for new shelters at appropriate locations, which may be a little more attractive.

"We will also consider the idea of cycle parking next to some of the shelters."

Anyone with suggestions for bus shelters is asked to contact Traffic and Highway Services on 223400 or Ms Wisher at patwisher@cwgsy.net.