Liberty Bus director to 'seriously consider' ending cash payments on Jersey buses

Liberty Bus Director Kevin Hart says that processing cash payments currently costs the company £65,000 a year. Credit: ITV Channel

The head of Jersey's bus service says the company would "seriously consider" going cashless.

Kevin Hart told a scrutiny panel of politicians that Liberty Bus would save £65,000 a year if it stopped handling money and moved to contactless-only card transactions, which already makes up most payments alongside travel passes and mobile tickets.

Mr Hart says just 2.5% of total sales are made in cash and they only receive around 72p for every £1 spent due to admin costs.

If Liberty Bus goes cashless, it would follow Guernsey buses which stopped handling money in July 2021.

Mr Hart explains: "It's something we would need to seriously consider when you look at the costs involved in handling cash.

"You've got the cost of the machines to count it, the individuals to bag it up, the security to collect the cash, the bank charges as well, so there's a whole process where the more cash we take, the higher our costs."

The Director reassures customers that Liberty Bus is "quite happy" taking cash but is encouraging them to use alternatives where possible.

Currently, the bus service must take cash payments due to contractual obligations set by Jersey's government.

However, the Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel are speaking to businesses to understand whether they want cash protected or continue to be naturally phased out of society.

"Cash entails privacy and cash gives you a freedom to choose to save in the way you want to." - Deputy Kirsten Morel Credit: ITV Channel

The prospect of Jersey phasing out cash payments has received pushback from some businesses and politicians.

In June, Sustainable Economic Development Minister Kirsten Morel told ITV Channel that he would bring forward a proposal to protect cash payments on the island.

At the time, he explained: "It's my belief that we shouldn't lose cash and that's why I'm thinking of bringing a proposition to ensure cash is maintained in Jersey.

"It can be cheaper and easier for banks and businesses [to do card transactions], but their cost savings shouldn't be at the expense of our choice and freedom."

The issue of whether businesses should be obligied to accept cash payments is controversial.

Many local people have taken to social media following this story to share their views.

Some of the views expressed by islanders on ITV Channel's Facebook page. Credit: ITV Channel

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