Bus service helps reduce 'isolation', report finds

A bus service has helped reduce "isolation and exclusion" in people with disabilities by giving them access to projects, activities and employment opportunities, according to a report.

LibertyBus' Social Impact Report 2026 explored the role public transport played in supporting independence, accessibility, sustainability and community wellbeing.

It found more than 200,000 bus journey were made using the Avanchi access scheme which provides free bus travel for Jersey residents living with a long term disability that limits their travel options.

Jersey Mencap, which supports islanders with learning disabilities, said many drivers completed disability training and were "really approachable."

The report showed 38% of respondents said the bus gave them more confidence and 59% of wheelchair used said it was easy to use the bus.

It added Liberty Bus worked with other chartities including the Jersey Employment Trust, and James' Ark Jersey.

The report added nearly three quarters of respondents said they saved money by using the bus and 70% of customers who have access to a car still choose to travel by bus.

For young adults and children more than 1.16m journeys were made using the company's Avanchi18 concessionary travel scheme in 2025 for under 18's.

The report showed 36% of 16 to 24-year-olds who responded in 2025 claimed that catching the bus has allowed them to improve their social interactions compared to other years and 38% said the independence had grown.

For older people in Jersey, 33% said they felt less lonely as a result of using the bus compared to other years, while 34% said they were able to be more mobile as a result of using the bus compared to other years.

Retired islander Paul Patterson MBE said he now relied on LibertyBus as his primary form of transport, travelling daily with his guide dog.

He said using the bus daily "vastly improved our ability to live independently."

Liberty Bus said in it's report that public transport had "an essential role to play in reducing congestion, improving air quality, and encouraging more sustainable travel".

It said as part of this it had 22 new Euro 6 Otokar buses which produced over 90% fewer harmful nitrogen oxide (NOx).

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