CT Plus’ new operations in Jersey have experienced some “teething problems”, which the company has apologised for.
A spokesman said problems were experienced on the first day of school bus services. There were complaints from passengers on social media sites that buses were running late as drivers could not use the new ticket machines.
The spokesman added: “Every driver has been given familiarisation training on the ticket machines which are completely new.
“As most of the company’s employees have only just transferred to CT Plus, allowing the training to take place, they are working hard to get to know the new system. We expect everyone to be up to speed in a matter of days.”
The company’s telephone services were also not activated in time so many people calling for information had not been able to get through.
He said a lot of work had been carried out with suppliers in advance but there had been problems with equipment failure beyond the company’s control.
The spokesman said they had been connected last Wednesday evening.
The island also faced industrial action at the end of December, prior to CT Plus starting operations, as drivers conducted a 24-hour strike over changes to their terms and conditions.
The union Unite balloted 82% of the workforce and 87% of those balloted voted in favour of the action.
Transport and Technical Services (TTS), which regulates the bus service, said the strike was unfair to passengers.
CT Plus took over Jersey’s bus contract on January 2 and reemployed drivers from Connex who had run the service for 10 years.
John Rogers, Chief Officer of TTS, said his department had tried to make the transition to the new operator as smooth as possible.
He said: “We have employed more people and part-time workers have become full-time workers. We have done everything we can to facilitate this transfer.”
