Nearly half a million sign up for child bus pass

Affordable Bus Pass Sparks Huge Rise in Young Passengers Across Jersey

Jersey has seen a major surge in the number of children using public transport, with nearly half a million more journeys recorded since the introduction of a low-cost bus pass.

The AvanchiCard, run by LibertyBus, allows under-18s to travel unlimited for just £25 per year. Since the scheme was launched as part of the Jersey Government Plan approved in December 2021, usage has soared.

Kevin Hart, director of LibertyBus, revealed that 1.1 million child journeys were made in 2024, a sharp rise from 650,000 in 2021.

While initially skeptical, Mr Hart now says the initiative has exceeded expectations. “I had concerns early on because I thought kids might only hop on for a stop or two before getting off,” he admitted in an interview with BBC Radio Jersey. “But we’ve seen real engagement—children now make up 20% of our passengers.”

He emphasised the broader benefits of the program, including reduced traffic during school runs. “It’s freeing up parents too,” Hart added. “They don’t have to worry about pickups and drop-offs. Kids are seeing buses as a reliable, convenient way to get around.”

The rise in young passengers suggests a cultural shift in how the island’s next generation views public transport—something LibertyBus hopes will pay long-term dividends for Jersey’s roads and environment