A NEW looping bus service running through town has finally started – more than a decade after it was first approved by the States.
The TownLink service, operated by LibertyBus, started last week and runs continuously between 9am and 6pm every day except Sunday.
It starts at the bus station before going to Broad Street, the Hospital, Minden Place, the Jersey Arts Centre, Salisbury Crescent, the Grand Marché superstore and Springfield Stadium.
It then heads back to the station via Byron Road, David Place, Halkett Place, Pier Road Car Park and Commercial Buildings.
A linking service dates back to 1998 when ‘The Hoppa Bus’ operated through town for several years.
St Helier Deputy Geoff Southern won a States vote in 2011 to include the shuttle service as part of a contract with a new bus operator in 2013, but it was never launched.
Last year Chief Minister John Le Fondré signed a ministerial decision approving a contract with LibertyBus to provide a loop service in St Helier.
A report accompanying his decision said that it was expected to cost £1 million to run over the first three years of its operation.
Kevin Hart, director of LibertyBus, said: ‘It has proved popular so far, with numbers slowly increasing on the route as the word of mouth about it spreads.
‘We have had a mixture of locals and visitors on the route, especially as there are a few hotels along the service.
‘The residents at the top of Pier Road are also pleased. It should continue to prove popular as we come into the height of summer and it provides easy access across town.’
