Last Friday (Aug. 9), Premier David Burt presented the Government of Bermuda’s Public Service Excellence Award to a Department of Public Transportation Team for the month of July.
The Digital Fare Media Team was awarded for their contributions to the development and implementation of the Shorelink app and website. This successful initiative has modernized Bermuda’s public transportation system, enhancing efficiency, convenience, and user experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Digital Fare Media team members are as follows:
- Zaynab Brown
- Warren Simmons
- Jonathan Cassidy
- Shivon Washington
- Roger Todd
- Troy Bassett
- Jacqueline Bremar
- Jonelle Christopher
- Mannard Packwood
- Miquel Bailey
- Khandi Roberts
- David Simmons
- Chris Spencer
- Rudy Cann
- Terry Spencer
- Theresa Ince
- Yolanda Dyer
- Jeanne Morris
- Tina Evans (Dept. of Communications)
Launched on July 8, 2024, the Shorelink app and website represent a significant leap forward in the digital transformation of the public service. The team navigated complex challenges, including tight timelines, resource limitations, and technical hurdles, while maintaining their commitment to revolutionizing Bermuda's public transportation system.
The teams’ work involved careful coordination with numerous stakeholders, including government agencies, the tourism sector, and public transportation staff. They demonstrated exceptional leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills pivotal to overcoming the obstacles to delivering this product that benefits the local community and Bermuda's reputation overseas as a first-class tourist destination.
The Shorelink app allows passengers to purchase and manage transportation fares digitally. Hence, visitors can now plan their journeys and purchase bus and ferry fares before arriving in Bermuda, while residents can enjoy a streamlined boarding process.
Furthermore, Shorelink integrates with Google Maps so that passengers can seamlessly explore route options for both bus and ferry services from their smartphones and check the status of rides in real-time. The next phase will commence in September with the introduction of tap-and-go payment options aimed at further enhancing the user experience and convenience.
In congratulating the team, Premier Burt said, “The Shorelink Initiative marks a significant organizational change for Bermuda, paving the way for future digital advancements as the Government promised to do by utilising technology to modernise services and make them more efficient and customer friendly.
“Our public transportation service is now equipped to serve a new generation of passengers, thanks to the dedication and innovation of the Digital Fare Media Team. I thank them for their diligent work in ensuring the Government delivered on this promise while setting a new benchmark for public service with this groundbreaking achievement.”
And the Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter said, “The Digital Fare Media team has truly demonstrated the best of Bermuda's public service with this exciting development. Their work not only improves the efficiency of our public transportation system but streamlines administrative processes and procedures. Well done, and congratulations to this phenomenal team!”