The first of four new buses has finally landed in Bermuda at the Hamilton Docks, with another three expected to arrive here within the next four months.
A Ministry spokesman said today: “This is only the first step in new strategies that the Government feels will increase vehicle availability and enhance public transportation.”
Transport Minister Walter Roban said: “Our Throne Speech agenda for a better and fairer Bermuda means we have to be able to get those who depend on public transportation to work on time. We must also ensure our children get to their classrooms and back home without incident.
“The Government believes in a transportation policy that promotes safety and reliability for all Bermuda citizens.
“And a key part of that is ensuring safe and reliable public transportation. In the weeks and months ahead, we anticipate a substantial improvement in the status quo,” he said.
“The new buses, including the one that is on the Hamilton Docks today, are being built to a new standard of specification which we believe will be more suited to the operating conditions in Bermuda.”
In addition to the new buses, it was also noted that Government has initiated action to overhaul a number of buses already on the island to breathe new life into them, as part of an overall plan to address the ageing bus fleet.
Said Mr Roban: “Considering the situation we inherited, we cannot completely fix the fleet’s shortcomings overnight.
“But the arrival of new buses, and those scheduled for significant repair, will improve our in-service numbers and provide our mechanics with a little more breathing room to keep more of the fleet operational.”
Word of the new arrival came on the same day the Public Transportation Department released another list of more than 40 bus cancellations, that started at 3:45pm this afternoon through to 6:19pm this evening.
