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A new operator has taken over Guernsey's bus service, promising to draw on experiences of its staff elsewhere, with recruitment at the forefront of its aims. Here's what else we know about Tower Transit.
Tower Transit is part of Australian headquartered Kelsian Group Limited.
Kelsian is "Australia's largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator".
Its website shows it has interests in ferry services, cruise liners, trains, other bus operators, adventure organisers, beach resorts, sightseeing trips and other businesses.
Pictured: Kelsian's website lists its business interests HERE.
Tower Transit is one of the subsidiaries and it is based in the UK, with a presence in London. It also has a franchise in Singapore, and now Guernsey and Jersey too.
Tower Transit states that it has "built a reputation for a positive work culture with a customer-focused approach and its ability to collaborate effectively with Government and other stakeholders to deliver improved services for customers".
HR Director Harjit Sahota said the plan is to expand this approach and expertise into Guernsey.
Pictured: The takeover of CT Plus by Tower Transit was announced yesterday, with HR Director Harjit Sahota assuring staff and passengers of a "business-as-usual approach" to start.
The Singapore franchise offers further expertise with Tower Transit may be able to utilise in Guernsey, with hydrogen and electric powered buses in service.
The contract was awarded in 2015, with the first buses on the road the following year, becoming the first public operator to enter the market in about four decades.
Tower Transit said that since then it's Singapore franchise has "doubled in size, operating over 60 bus services and over 700 fully electric, hybrid and diesel buses on behalf of the Land Transport Authority".
Miss Sahota told Express that in time we may see these vehicles in operation here.
When the sale of CT Plus was announced, Samuel Ribeiro, Managing Director of Tower Transit, said: “The Group are delighted to take over the reins of CT Plus in Guernsey and thank HCT Group for their commitment and their positive collaboration with the States of Guernsey over the years.
"Our aim is to maintain a business-as-usual approach whilst drawing on the experience and capabilities of the Group in the future. We proudly serve several Island communities in Australia and look forward to extending this high-quality service to the people of Guernsey.”
Tower Transit has confirmed all local management are staying in position.
Kevin Hart, Director of Channel Islands, said: “We are confident that the transition will occur without any disruption to services and that there are no plans to change routes or tickets or branding. The aim is to maintain the existing teams in place with their extensive local experience and track record of success.”
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Recruitment leads Tower Transit plans
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