Good Morning Minister, Director of the Department of Transportation, Officers from the Department of Transportation and members of the media here this morning.
Within the Government’s Economic Recovery plan we committed to ensuring a sustainable transportation infrastructure that is safe for the environment.
Additionally in the Economic Recovery Plan as well as our 2020 Election Platform we committed to introducing an electric charging infrastructure to Bermuda beginning with the installation of an Electric Bus Charging Facility at the Department of Public Transportation's Fort Langton, Devonshire Facility to support the operation of new electric buses.
I am delighted that with the arrival of these 30 new electric buses we have taken a further step toward cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation for Bermuda. With temporary charging stations in place throughout the island, as the work to complete the long-term charging at Fort Langton progresses.
These cleaner and quieter additions to our fleet will provide easier access with lower flooring, and life-cycle costs to maintain them 50% lower than traditional buses. Ultimately the new buses will improve the passenger experience for locals and visitors, and will provide a safer work environment for the Department of PublicTransportation staff thanks to improved air quality.
I thank the dedication and hard work of the Minister of Transport, the Hon. Lawrence Scott; the Director of the Department of Transportation, Roger Todd; and the entire management team and staff for their hard work in delivering on this important initiative for the country.
And, I certainly thank our union partners at the Bermudian Industrial Union bus workers division who have worked alongside us during this task. It is not easy when we have change, but change is necessary for our country to advance.
I look forward to the arrival of further electric buses in the coming weeks, and for cleaner and more sustainable transport for Bermuda now and into the future.
Now I will yield the floor to the Minister of Transport who will speak about the buses in depth.