A new bus funding strategy is “a long way into development,” according to the DoI Minister.
Dr Michelle Haywood said the development of a new strategy follows a public consultation on key issues.
She explained that the strategy is being written after a recent policy meeting, with plans to brief members in July and publish supportive information “in due course.”
Delayed?
Chris Thomas questioned why the bus service review, due for completion in January 2025, appears delayed, noting that the Council of Ministers had already claimed the transport strategy as an achievement in October 2024.
“Did [it] not cover buses?” he asked.
Dr Haywood clarified that buses were included, but the strategy was only recently finalised and is yet to be submitted.
Mr Thomas pressed further, referencing trials of electric and hybrid buses during TT and the purchase of 10–11 hybrid vehicles.
He asked: “Was that following the incomplete bus strategy review, or just a decision that was going to take place anyway?”
Dr Haywood responded that hybrid vehicles were “being discussed under the bus strategy,” but she had “no idea” about the fleet’s current status.
Mr Thomas then highlighted “sub-optimal policy development,” pointing to suspended bus purchases in 2020, reversed in 2024, despite the absence of a completed review.
Dr Haywood denied any spending suspension, stating, “We are still investing in our bus fleet,” including new electric and hybrid buses.
Tim Glover briefly interjected, asking who was involved in the bus service review, to which Dr Haywood replied she would “find out and circulate that information.”
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