Jersey operator LibertyBus has shown the first of 22 Otokar Vectio C midibuses that will enter service from January 2026.
They will replace the same number of the oldest Euro III vehicles with the Tower Transit Group operation and represent a spend of around £5 million by the operator. The Otokar arrivals will be followed by further investments over the life of the 10-year contract for LibertyBus that was awarded to Tower Transit and started on 6 April.
The operator says it searched Europe for buses that best-suited Jersey requirements and settled on Otokar and the Vectio C as the most appropriate vehicle given width restrictions in place on the island.
Those for Jersey are the first of the Vectio C type built for the British Isles, although the type has been produced in right-hand drive form for use in Malta and a small number of Navigo T midicoaches previously came to the UK in the mid-2010s.
Tower Transit notes that the 9.6m Vectio C “is designed to offer an ideal balance of compact dimensions and high passenger capacity,” a position that makes it well-suited to both urban areas and narrow road networks. Manoeuvrability is also highlighted by the group as a further positive.
Specification elements include USB-A and USB-C charging points, a comprehensive passenger information system with next-stop announcements and an induction loop, and a camera monitoring system in place of rear-view mirrors.
The operator adds that the Vectio C buses for Jersey have been specifically modified from those built for other European markets to improve the number and quality of seats. Each will carry 33 seated passengers and 30 standees.
Speaking about the arrival of the first examples, Tower Transit Managing Director Samuel Ribiero says: “We are proud to be investing in LibertyBus and in delivering a modern, fit-for-purpose fleet for Jersey.
“This investment reflects the strong partnership between Tower Transit and the Government of Jersey, and our joint commitment to finding the right solution for the island. By looking beyond the traditional UK and regional bus suppliers, we have been able to identify a vehicle that is better suited to Jersey’s unique operating environment.
“Drawing on the combined franchising experience of the Government of Jersey and Tower Transit, this approach ensures that customers benefit fully from the advantage that a well-designed bus franchise model can deliver.”
Minister for Infrastructure Andy Jehan adds that bringing the Otokar Vectio C fleet into service “is the culmination of hard work and perseverance to overcome some of the challenges we have in Jersey with our narrow roads, and I am looking forward to seeing them serve the island.”
Otokar Head of International Sales (Bus Division) Berkan Sağlam notes how the Vectio C will deliver strong efficiency and safety, with those for Jersey complying with the EU General Safety Regulation 2.
Mr Sağlam adds that “working with the LibertyBus team, the Government of Jersey and the wider Tower Transit Group has been an opportunity for our business to break into the British Isles market.” He notes how further opportunities could exist in wider franchising efforts in the UK.
