Bus Service: Island Explorer: 2012 Confirmation

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A decision made 16 March 2012:

Decision Reference: MD-T-2012-0027
Decision Summary Title :	2012 Explorer Bus Service Confirmation		Date of Decision Summary:	08 March 2012
Decision Summary Author:	Transport Logistics Manager		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Confirmation of 2012 Explorer Bus Services		Date of Written Report:	08 March 2012
Written Report Author:	Transport Logistics Manager		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Confirmation of 2012 Explorer Bus Services
Decision(s): The Minister approved the following: That the Explorer network will run from Saturday 07 April 2012 through to Saturday 29 September 2012, and thereafter to a reduced timetable until Sunday 04 November 2012 The service alterations as summarised in the report.
Reason(s) for Decision: Although several comments from members of the public were received following advertising in the JEP, it is considered that the 2012 proposals as planned will provide an adequate leisure service for the public. The proposals represent a rationalisation of the leisure network with easier to remember timetables and simplified routing.
Resource Implications: None.
Action required: Advise Connex of the decision. Update information on the States of Jersey website to remove reference to ‘proposals’. Advise the members of the public who submitted comments of the Minister’s decision.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Bus Service: Island Explorer: 2012 Confirmation

TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES

CONFIRMATION OF 2012 EXPLORER BUS SERVICES

Purpose of the Report

To seek the Minister‘s approval of the 2012 Explorer bus services.

Background

The Minister approved ‘in principle’ the proposals for the 2012 Explorer services on 10 February 2012 (MD-T-2012-0014 refers). As this represents changes in an omnibus licence, under Article 24 of the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935, the Minister was obliged to consult on the proposals prior to a final decision being made.

Discussion

1. The proposals can be summarised as follows:

(a) The Explorer network to run daily from Saturday 07 April to Saturday 29 September inclusive, featuring

Red, Green and Blue routes similar to 2011, with nine, nine, and seven return journeys per day respectively

(b) An enhanced level of service to operate during the Summer Timetable season of 27 May to 29 September, with

Three extra return trips on Red Route between St Helier and War Tunnels, and
A new route (provisionally designated ‘Yellow’) to provide four return trips between Durrell and Jersey Pearl

(c) A lower level of service to operate on non-schooldays between 30 September and 04 November inclusive, consisting of the nine return trips per day on Red Route

(d) Blue Route to remain unchanged from 2011, with minor timetable adjustments to improve punctuality

(e) Red Route to remain unchanged from 2011, though departure times have been realigned to align better with patterns of demand

(f) Green Route to omit the now-closed Jersey Pottery, and operate via Hougue Bie instead of Faldouet, with some alterations to departure times

(g) As a consequence of these changes, it is considered that existing service 26 should be discontinued from 27 May due to low passenger demand. This will be included within the summer service proposals and consultation process.

2. An advertisement was placed in the Gazette section of the Jersey Evening Post on 16 February 2012. Those wishing to make representations on the proposals were advised to do so before midday on 02 March 2012. In addition, details were sent to all Constables and Parish Halls were asked to display the proposals.

3. The department received comments from six persons prior to the above deadline:

(a) A gentleman who made a range of comments concerning the relative timings of journeys.

(b) A lady who was generally supportive but expressed disappointment that the links offered by the Explorer network were not available during the evening.

(d) A lady who did not specifically refer to the Explorer proposals, but requested the consideration of a bus link from St Peter to St Brelade for summer 2012.

(e) A lady who did not specifically refer to the Explorer proposals, but requested the consideration of improved bus services from the Grouville Arsenal area.

(f) A politician who also supported the reinstatement of buses from St Peter to St Brelade.

Comments

There are no additional costs associated with the 2012 proposals. The proposed removal of service 26 will make a contribution towards CSR targets, and because this is later than originally proposed (from 27 May rather than from 07 April) there is a modest reduction in the savings realised of £3,502.60. This can be covered in full by funding available for maintaining bus service improvements within the Sustainable Transport budget.

Given the fact that there have only been six comments, half of which did not directly concern these proposals, it is recommended that the Minister approve them without alteration for implementation on 07 April 2012.

Recommendation:-

The Minister is recommended to approve the following:

That the Explorer network will run from Saturday 07 April 2012 through to Saturday 29 September 2012, and thereafter to a reduced timetable until Sunday 04 November 2012
The service alterations as summarised in the report.

Reason(s) for Recommendations

Although several comments from members of the public were received following advertising in the JEP, it is considered that the 2012 proposals as planned will provide an adequate leisure service for the public. The proposals represent a rationalisation of the leisure network with easier to remember timetables and simplified routing.

Actions Required

Advise Connex of the decision.
Update information on the States of Jersey website to remove reference to ‘proposals’.
Advise the members of the public who submitted comments of the Minister’s decision.

Resource Implications

None.

Written by:	Transport Logistics Manager

Approved by:	Director of Transport