Transport social enterprise HCT Group has been named as the preferred operator to run local bus services on both Guernsey and Jersey.

HCT Group beat a number of multinational private-sector operators to the tenders. The Guernsey contract was announced last month; the Jersey one earlier this week.

In Guernsey, HCT subsidiary CT Plus will take over the contract from 1 April this year from incumbent provider Island Coachways. The deal is likely to run initially for two or three years.

In Jersey, CT Plus will take over the contract from Connex, which has run the service for the last ten years. Subject to negotiations, CT Plus will begin operating Jersey’s bus services from 1 January 2013. The contract will be for the operation of all bus services on the island, including school buses.

HCT Group already runs ten London red bus routes, various public networks, school services around the country and park and ride schemes.

Social Enterprise UK’s CEO Peter Holbrook heralded the news as “responsible capitalism at work”.

“It is a real sign that commissioners want more from their contracts. Social enterprises provide excellent value for money – they provide services while remedying social problems,” he said.

He added it was an important sign that commissioners want social value from their contracts.