16 April 2010
From Monday 26 April 2010, a double decker bus will be in service on the Liberation Station to Airport route (no. 15) for a 2 week trial period.
The trial is being managed by Transport and Technical Services and Connex to find out if double deckers could become part of the regular Island bus fleet.
The double decker may help to improve passenger comfort and capacity on the busy ‘Route 15’ service. The bus has 67 seats (compared to 41 on the largest of the single decker in service in the Island) and provides additional space. It also has wheelchair access and luggage space.
The double decker, an Enviro400 provided by its UK manufacturer Alexander Dennis, also uses the latest technology to achieve low carbon emissions and high fuel efficiency.
Minister for Transport and Technical Services, Connétable Mike Jackson, said "We are actively investigating ways to improve our service for existing passengers and also to motivate more people to use the bus service instead of their cars. The double decker trial is extremely exciting and we will be reviewing feedback from everyone involved, including passengers, to help us understand if double deckers should be a part of Jersey’s bus service in the future."
Managing Director, Connex Transport Jersey Ltd, Eric Le Roux, said "Connex is committed to enhancing public transport for existing passengers as well as introducing innovative ideas to attract more people on to the buses. This is an exciting and high profile campaign to highlight the benefits of bus travel while assessing the long-term feasibility of double deckers on Jersey roads. During the trial, the double decker will also be participating in the free bus day on 25 April."
A passenger survey will be conducted throughout the trial to monitor passenger feedback and understand how well the double decker meets the needs of the Jersey bus service.
A timetable showing the services to be operated by the double decker will be available from the MyBus website or by contacting the Connex Information Office on +44 (0) 1534 877772.
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