13 September 2021
Carers or companions of eligible Islanders in the AvanchiAccess scheme will be able to travel on the bus for free, following an extension of the scheme by the Infrastructure, Housing and Environment (IHE) department.
The existing AvanchiAccess scheme provides unlimited free travel for Islanders who have a long-term disability preventing them from driving. The new AvanchiAccess+ scheme includes free travel for carers or companions who need to assist those Islanders who cannot travel alone on the bus some or all of the time.
Eligible Islanders who are part of the existing scheme or new customers that want to apply for the AvanchiAccess+ scheme should pick up an application form from Liberation Station, parish halls, doctors' surgeries and community organisations around the Island to apply. The pass will then be ready to use from 1 October.
Islanders must meet the eligibility criteria which includes having a long-term disability that prevents them from driving and the need to have a companion assist them on the bus some or all of the time. For the full criteria visit www.gov.je/buses or www.libertybus.je.
The Minister for Infrastructure, Deputy Kevin Lewis, said: "I am pleased to announce that IHE will be launching the AvanchiAccess+ bus pass which will allow companions of Islanders who require assistance when travelling on the bus to also be able to travel free of charge.
"I am delighted that we can build on the success of the concessionary bus pass scheme which first began in 2017 and make travelling on the bus more convenient. We have worked closely with LibertyBus to implement this and I look forward to seeing the benefits it brings."
HR, Training & Community Manager for LibertyBus, Nikki Withe, said "I am pleased that the AvanchiAccess+ bus pass will be available to all eligible Islanders from 1 October. Following engagement with key stakeholders and organisations in the voluntary sector, the feedback has been fantastic highlighting that by more eligible customers and their companions being able to travel on the bus service there will be a reduction in social isolation and an increase in accessibility.
"Islanders are able to apply for the concessionary pass from today and are welcome to pick up an application form from us at the station where we will be happy to help."
To apply or to read more information about the scheme, visit www.gov.je/buses and www.libertybus.je
gov.je