JERSEY’s bus service has been sold to Australia’s biggest land and marine transport provider.
The HCT Group has announced the sale of both of its Channel Island businesses – LibertyBus in Jersey and CT Plus in Guernsey – to Tower Transit, which is part of the Adelaide-based Kelsian Group Limited.
The news comes not long after the HCT Group ended the services of two of its UK subsidiaries, CT Plus Yorkshire and Powell’s Bus, due to the financial impact of the pandemic, a surge in fuel prices and the cost-of-living crisis.
The company’s chief executive, Lynn McClelland, said: ‘We are very proud of the work we’ve done in Jersey and we believe that the services there could not be in better hands.
‘Tower Transit and Kelsian are noted for their high-quality services, their international reach and resources and their extensive experience with electrification of bus services and other sustainable technologies, currently high on everybody’s agenda.’
She added: ‘It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve the people of Jersey for the past ten years. We are grateful to the Government of Jersey for the spirit of partnership that has characterised our work together. We are certain that we leave behind a strong foundation for the future development of the bus service.’
LibertyBus director Kevin Hart said: ‘We are confident that the transition will occur without any disruption to services and that there are no plans to change routes or tickets or branding. ‘The aim is to maintain the existing teams in place with their extensive local experience and track record of success.’
Tower Transit also operates international public transport contracts in Singapore and London.
Managing director Samuel Ribeiro said: ‘The Group are delighted to take over the reins of LibertyBus and thank HCT Group for their commitment and their positive collaboration with the Government of Jersey over the years. Our aim is to maintain a business-as-usual approach whilst drawing on the experience and capabilities of the Group in the future.
‘We proudly serve several Island communities in Australia and look forward to extending this high-quality service to the people of Jersey.’
