Deputy Rob Ward lodged a proposition calling for school bus journeys to be free from this September, and for under-18s and those in full-time education to receive free bus travel by the earliest practical date.
He also requested a full plan to be produced by the end of 2020 to make buses free to everyone in the Island.
His proposition was amended by St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft who wanted to see more research and consultation carried out before agreeing to implement free bus services. However, despite the amendments, the move towards free buses was thrown out by the States.
Deputy Ward, who earlier this year successfully brought a proposition calling a climate change emergency in the Island, said that approving free bus travel would increase usage, taking people out of their cars and would begin to make meaningful changes towards the Island’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Mr Crowcroft also called for a sustainable transport policy to identifying safe cycle and walking routes by the end of 2019. This was the only section of the proposition that was agreed by Members.
