As a result of incorrect information circulating in the community, fueled by media, the Department of Public Transportation would like to clarify the status of the public bus service for the public holiday on Monday. There is an outstanding dispute between DPT and its unionized workers. DPT and the Bermuda Industrial Union are working through the issues, based on the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The Royal Gazette in today’s paper quotes unnamed sources that buses will not run on the public holiday Monday because mechanics will not be working. This is not true. Monday is a public holiday and as a result, the majority of bus mechanics will be off on holiday, as per normal. This does not determine whether the service operates.
Notwithstanding the ongoing labour dispute, the bus service will operate on Monday, per the published holiday schedule.
There are three cruise ships in Dockyard on Monday, although DPT no longer provides charter services for passengers. DPT stopped providing charter services last year. For the second year, the main transportation out of Dockyard will be ferries, minibuses and taxis.
Only regularly scheduled buses serve Dockyard, and, as stated, the normal Sunday/Public Holiday schedule will apply.
As has been the case for many months, there may be route cancellations due to a shortage of available buses. Any cancellations will be informed per the twice-daily bus alerts.
The work to rule means drivers will not work overtime. If there is a shortage of drivers, this may result in route cancellations. It’s difficult to say in advance if, and to what extent, cancellations will occur.