New Electric Double-Decker Bus Hits the Streets for Trial Run

Electric Future for Jersey’s Buses? LibertyBus Trials Double-Decker

Jersey’s public transport network is taking another step toward a greener future as LibertyBus trials an electric double-decker bus on the island’s roads.

The transport provider, which first tested zero-emission vehicles six years ago, put the latest model through its paces until Friday. The bus, capable of carrying up to 70 seated passengers and 12 standing, was tested on several routes, including the popular number 15 service to the Airport. With a single-charge range of 338km, the vehicle could provide a viable alternative to traditional diesel-powered buses.

This trial follows a series of electric and zero-emission bus tests over the past two years as LibertyBus assesses the best options for modernising its fleet. The company secured a ten-year contract in October, committing to introducing 22 ultra-low-emission high-capacity buses within the first year of the agreement.

The transition aligns with Jersey’s Carbon Neutral Roadmap, as the island aims to reduce transport-related emissions. LibertyBus director Kevin Hart emphasised the importance of ensuring the double-decker is suitable for Jersey’s unique road network before making any permanent commitments.

“We need to be sure that the bus can cope with Jersey’s roads,” he said, adding that significant technological advancements had been made since the company’s first electric bus trial in 2019.

Ian Downie, head of Yutong UK, the company supplying the bus, highlighted the broader impact of the transition. “Encouraging people to leave their cars at home and choose public transport will be key to decarbonising Jersey,” he said.

With each trial, LibertyBus moves closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the island’s commuters.