A SCHEME allowing under-18 students to receive an unlimited annual bus pass for £20 could be extended to all Islanders in full-time education if an amendment to the Government Plan is approved.
Deputy Carina Alves said extending the Avanchi18 scheme would encourage more people to use public transport, thereby supporting the Island’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, while reducing the cost of bus travel for families.
The £20 cards were introduced following a successful amendment to last year’s Government Plan by Deputy Alves’ Reform Jersey colleague Deputy Rob Ward.
In her amendment, Deputy Alves said: ‘There are 1,473 students receiving Student Finance funding who would be eligible for the Avanchi18 card if this was extended to students over the age of 19 in full-time education at university in Jersey, the UK and abroad.
‘There are a further 99 students studying at Highlands College who do not receive Student Finance funding. There are 37 students studying full-time at Highlands over the age of 19 years on Level 2 and Level 3 courses. There are 148 students who are trainees and apprentices training at Highlands College and a further 320 trainees and apprentices registered with Skills Jersey.’
She added: ‘It must be noted that demand is still building up as more young people become aware of, and utilise, the scheme (and it should be remembered that this is a long-term change of behaviour). It will probably be some time before an equilibrium level is reached.’
The Government Plan is due to be debated at the States sitting beginning on Monday.
