TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
FREE BUS TRAVEL ON 25 APRIL 2010
Purpose of the Report
To seek the Minister’s approval of the proposal for a ‘free bus day’ on 25 April, the day of the Tour de Bretagne event in the east of the island.
Background
Jersey Tourism has been heavily involved in bringing two stages of the prestigious Tour de Bretagne cycle race to the island. Bus operator Connex are very keen to support this event and have suggested that the larger of the two stages, taking place on Sunday 25 April in the Gorey area, is an ideal opportunity to promote sustainable public transport. The proposal is that bus fares are suspended for the day, with Connex providing additional departures to deal with additional demand.
Discussion
The proposal is that for the whole day on 25 April, bus services are free of charge to the passenger. This would apply to the entire network of bus services, not just those to and from the east of the island where the Tour de Bretagne stage is taking place that day. Connex have pledged sufficient resources to handle the additional generated passengers, and that they will compensate TTS for 50% of the estimated amount of revenue that would normally be raised on a Sunday in April (a sum of approximately £3500).
Importantly, encouraging spectators to use public transport will greatly contribute to the likely success of the event, by reducing the potential for significant congestion that there would otherwise be.
Conclusion
The cost to TTS would be £1750 in revenue foregone, but there would be positive publicity resulting from this gesture, helping to raise the profile of both cycling and public transport.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the designation of 25 April as a ‘free bus day’.
Reason(s) for Recommendations
By holding a “free bus day”, the Department would be helping to support the Tour de Bretagne event being held in Gorey and Grouville, and raising the profile of alternative modes of travel.
Actions Required
1. Advise Connex and Jersey Tourism of the decision.
2 Integrate publicity programme with that already being prepared by Jersey Tourism for the Tour de Bretagne
Written by: | Transport Logistics Manager |
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Approved by: | Acting Director of Transport |
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