Harbour Bus Shuttle Trial.

Information about the publication of Ministerial Decisions

A formal published “Ministerial Decision” is required as a record of the decision of a Minister (or an Assistant Minister where they have delegated authority) as they exercise their responsibilities and powers.

Ministers are elected by the States Assembly and have legal responsibilities and powers as “corporation sole” under the States of Jersey Law 2005 by virtue of their office and in their areas of responsibility, including entering into agreements, and under any legislation conferring on them powers.

An accurate record of “Ministerial Decisions” is vital to effective governance, including:

demonstrating that good governance, and clear lines of accountability and authority, are in place around decisions-making – including the reasons and basis on which a decision is made, and the action required to implement a decision
providing a record of decisions and actions that will be available for examination by States Members, and Panels and Committees of the States Assembly; the public, organisations, and the media; and as a historical record and point of reference for the conduct of public affairs

Ministers are individually accountable to the States Assembly, including for the actions of the departments and agencies which discharge their responsibilities.

The Freedom of Information Law (Jersey) Law 2011 is used as a guide when determining what information is be published. While there is a presumption toward publication to support of transparency and accountability, detailed information may not be published if, for example, it would constitute a breach of data protection, or disclosure would prejudice commercial interest.

A decision made (07/07/2009) regarding: Harbour Bus Shuttle Trial.

Decision Reference: MD-T-2009-0070
Decision Summary Title :	Harbour Bus Shuttle Trial		Date of Decision Summary:	3 July 2009
Decision Summary Author:	Director of Transport		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:	N/A
Written Report Title :	Harbour Bus Shuttle Trial		Date of Written Report:	3 July 2009
Written Report Author:	Director of Transport		Written Report : Public or Exempt? (State clauses from Code of Practice booklet)	Public
Subject: Trial Harbour Bus Shuttle
Decision(s): The Minister approved a trial Harbour bus shuttle service to operate daily in July and August 2009 and to grant an exemption from requiring a licence under Article 18 of the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935.
Reason(s) for Decision: A trial Harbour shuttle bus service will be an enhancement to the current bus service to and from the Harbour and all costs will be borne by Connex.
Resource Implications: There are no resource implications.
Action required: Advise Connex of this decision.
Signature:		Position:
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):

Harbour Bus Shuttle Trial.

TRANSPORT & TECHNICAL SERVICES

HARBOUR BUS SHUTTLE - TRIAL

Purpose of the Report

To seek the approval of the Minister to grant Connex an exemption under Article 18 of the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935 to operate a trial shuttle service between the Elizabeth Harbour and Liberation Station in July and August 2009.

Background

Connex have put forward a proposal to operate a free shuttle bus service which will:

meet all incoming Condor ferries from France
provide a free service from the Harbour to Liberation Station and return
operate daily throughout July and August

Publicity will be provided both on board the boats and also at the Harbour to advise passengers of this facility. In addition, the Route 19 which operates via the Harbour at both the beginning and end of its journey, will also provide this link free of charge.

Connex will bear the full costs of this trial which will be evaluated at its conclusion to assess its viability and whether it is operated next year and, if so, in the same way.

Discussion

Providing a shuttle bus to and from Liberation Station will encourage potential customers into the station to purchase tickets for other bus services. Although the walk into town from the Harbour is not far on a fine day and for mobile people, it can be daunting for those less able and when the weather is inclement. The shuttle is a service to our tourists (and residents) and creates a ‘first good impression’ to the Island. Economic Development has been fully involved with this proposal from both a Tourism and Harbours perspective.

The reason for operating this as a free service is as follows:
- Fares on short shuttle services - even token flat fares - are a major disincentive to use.
- On a service where most potential passengers are unfamiliar with the area and are unlikely to have small change, it can seriously increase the boarding time per person, causing significant knock-on delays and loss of efficiency.
- A Harbour service was operated in June/July/August 2003 during Connex’s first year. The charge was 50p and the revenue raised was £2,600 against a cost of £43,000. The trial did not work as hoped in that it wasn't being used by people arriving at the Harbour and it has not been operated since.

This service, as it is a trial, can be exempted from requiring a licence under Article 18 of the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935 with the Minister’s approval.

Recommendation

The Minister is recommended to approve this trial Harbour shuttle service and grant an exemption from requiring a licence under Article 18 of the Motor Traffic (Jersey) Law 1935.

Reasons for Recommendation

A trial Harbour shuttle bus service will be an enhancement to the current bus service to and from the harbour and all costs will be borne by Connex.

Actions Required

Advise Connex of this decision.

Resource Implications

There are no resource implications

Written by:	Caroline Anderson, Director of Transport

Approved by:	John Rogers, Acting Chief Officer