SOME different vehicles will start to appear on Jersey’s roads in the new year as LibertyBus has unveiled the rollout of a brand new greener bus fleet.
Following several trials, 22 new ultra-low emission buses will serve on the Island’s roads in January, phasing out the existing decades-old vehicles which operate several routes, including school journeys.
The move represents a £5 million investment by the bus company, the first since it signed a ten-year contract with the government last year to continue operating as Jersey’s main bus provider.
That deal with LibertyBus, which is owned by the Australian-based Tower Transit Group, contained a stipulation that 22 ultra-low-emission high-capacity buses would replace older vehicles.
The new Euro VI emission vehicles have been produced by Turkish manufacturer Otokar. More than 5,000 of the same models, Vectio C, are used across Europe in busy urban areas with challenging narrow roads.
Jersey’s new fleet has been specifically modified to increase seating capacity and include modern features such as onboard phone charging points, a passenger announcement system for upcoming stops, and display screens.
The buses also feature an induction loop to support passengers with hearing impairments.
The announcement comes following the Treasury Minister’s recent announcement of a reduced rate of Vehicle Emission Duty in preparation for the new fleet’s arrival.
From 1 January 2026, buses will be reclassified as commercial vehicles, but as their new arrival will be at the end of 2025, Deputy Elaine Millar ruled that lower rates of VED would apply to the new buses, cutting the duty payable from over £9,000 per vehicle to between £800 and £1,000.
The move will save around £200,000 of vehicle duty that would have otherwise applied.
In the report explaining her decision, Deputy Millar said it aligns with the priority in the Common Strategic Policy 2024-2026 to implement the Carbon Neutral Roadmap.
New greener buses also support the Sustainable Transport Policy.
Ahead of their arrival in Jersey, Berkan Sağlam, Otokar’s head of international sales, said the company is “confident the public of Jersey won’t be disappointed with our product”.
Kevin Hart, director of LibertyBus, added that the move represents “a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable travel”.
“This not only aligns with our environmental responsibilities but also enhances the overall travel experience for our passengers,” he added.
Infrastructure Minister Andy Jehan said: “Successfully bringing these buses into service is the culmination of hard work and perseverance to overcome some of the challenges we have in Jersey with our narrow roads and I am looking forward to seeing them serve the Island.”
