IN FAVOUR OF ISLAND COACHWAYS

I often moan about the large buses that really are not comfortable, and subsidised to the tune of £10M by the rate payer - but after using the Jersey bus system, which uses the same type buses....I am pressed to say we get good value along with any 'stray' tourist who might wander over here...As a pensioner I get a bus pass - therefore don't pay to use them any more, and before that I used to buy a bus pass...... We (non pensioners) at the moment pay 60p for a journey, where ever it is on the island and in Guernsey that usually means you can go all the way around the island! Yesterday, after lunch and being a lovely day 'im indoors and I decided to take a ride 'anywhere' ....so went to the information desk at the new bus station.....and I asked where we could go and ensure we could get back by 6.00 in time to catch the boat back toGuernsey.....at 1.5 the only thing they could offer was from St Helier to Gorey!!! a lovely ride, but not a long one....he explained anywhere else I would not be able to return in time......fair enough, so I said how much is the fare and can I pay in advance....he said it was £1.50 per person - so enquired about pensioner rates - to be told it is the same!!!! I was a bit amazed - but as we wanted to go we duly boarded the bus and asked for 2 returns - sorry say the driver we do not issue returns.......so we paid £3.00 there and £3.00 back....which I thought was a bit stiff, but if you have a family with children it surely must be cheaper to hire a car A. for the convenience and B. it would probably be cost effective.....what do other members think????

a rip off imo karma.of course our buses are subsidised .are they subsidised in jersey as well.maybe one of our jersey members could let us know .

I think this thread should be closed before someone decides that we are getting too good a deal here.

On a serious note a lot of visitors do find the service excellent value has I am sure many locals do.

my last trip to Jersey included a taxi ride at £23 each way from the airport to Jersey Pottery so I am sure the bus service is good value unless theres a few of you to share a taxi.

do they have a £1.50 fare to anywhere?

My wife uses the bus daily, less hassle re parking etc. She loves it, and at 30p each way, only costs £3 per week.
Some of the drivers are very good, but, i'm afraid to say, some are diabolical both in driving terms & attitude. (her words)

I've met those Steve - I agree with your wife!!!!

Wasn't me

I would use the bus if they can pick me up at 5.45 in the morning , just think if you caught the bus you could read the paper on your way to work and probably see things that you tend not to see when you are driving .

It's a bargain for me(old farts pass) Walk into Town then bus back up the Grange.WE do however pay the company the best part of £2,000,000 for the privilege

I thought they said yesterday on Radio Guernsey that is was £10M

Don't use the bus very often as it does not operate early or late enough for me!

When I have used the bus, it has often been quicker for me to get into work as I don't need to find a parking space!!

I would use it more if it was more available ans there were shelters at the bus stops!!!