First of new additions to bus fleet arrive

Libertybus has announced the arrival of the first of 22 buses to replace some of the oldest vehicles in its fleet.

The buses are part of a £5m initial investment by LibertyBus, the first of its investments since it signed a 10-year contract with the Government of Jersey in October 2024.

LibertyBus said the new buses were produced by Turkish manufacturer Otokar and are due to be in operation from early in the new year.

Minister for Infrastructure 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."

The Vectio C bud is a 9.6m (31.5ft) medium-size low-entry bus.

Five thousand Otokar buses have been in operation across Europe and LibertyBus modified the design from the European model so it had more seated capacity and comfortable seats, LibertyBus said.

Kevin Hart, director of LibertyBus, said: "The new buses are expected to contribute to a reduction in air pollution, noise, and overall carbon footprint, benefitting both the island's residents and the environment."

Berkan Sağlam, Otokar's Head of International Sales (Bus Division) said: "Working with the LibertyBus team, the Government of Jersey and the wider Tower Transit Group has been an opportunity for our business to break in to the British Isles market, and exiting times with the franchising of bus networks right across the UK."

Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to [email protected].