No more cash on the buses

No more cash on the buses

Instead, passengers are being asked to use contactless cards or AvanchiCards only. Non-contactless card payments, to top up AvanchiCards, can still be accepted at the station.

The move follows a drop-off in passenger numbers, with up to 4,200 fewer travelling between Monday and Thursday, compared to the same period last week – a reduction of 35%.

The figures indicate that many Islanders affected by social distancing and self-isolation measures are now taking notice of advice.

And a large number of St Helier-based office workers are now working from home.

However, the business fears the slump will only get significantly worse as all schools close for an uncertain period.

But it has moved to reassure passengers that they were doing everything possible –including carrying out extra cleaning procedures – to keep passengers and staff safe.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the company, said: ‘On Monday, we were 2,500 passenger journeys down and, on Wednesday, we were 4,200 passenger journeys down. Obviously with schools closing next week the impact will grow.

‘We have already decided to continue with our winter timetable and not implement our spring timetable which was due to start on 30 March. We are continuing to monitor passenger numbers and will make further adjustments to the service if necessary so that supply and demand is met.’

The spokesperson added that buses were normally cleaned nightly and given a deep-clean weekly but they were also now cleansing buses throughout the day, giving special attention to the driver’s cab, ticket machines, handles, seat backs and stop buttons. Liberation Station is also being cleaned more frequently.

She added: ‘We are also advising customers to follow government guidelines on hygiene before using our services, use contactless payment where they can and not to travel at peak times if they are in a high-risk category.’

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