Good afternoon:
I am pleased today to provide highlights of the Ministry of Transport's 2023/2024 Budget Allocation and highlights for the fiscal year.
The Ministry of Transport's 2023-2024 fiscal year budget is seventy-two million, three hundred and fifty- two thousand dollars ($72,352,000). This is an increase of three hundred and fifteen thousand dollars ($315,000) from the 2022-2023 prior year budget.
The departments within The Ministry of Transport are:
- Ministry Headquarters
- Department of Marine and Ports,
- Transportation Control Department and
- Department of Public Transportation
The Ministry of Transport's estimated revenue for 2023/24 is thirty-nine million, four hundred thousand dollars ($39,400,000), the bulk of which will be accounted for by the Transport Control Department's fees.
The Ministry Headquarters leads and manages the policy and strategic plans for the island's transport infrastructure and systems. The Ministry works closely with its departments, quangos and external partners to ensure there is a collaborative effort in policy development.
In recent months, the Ministry has worked jointly with the Bermuda Airport Authority, Bermuda Tourism Authority and Skyport in an effort to increase air service to Bermuda.
Air Service Development is a high priority for the Ministry; thus 2023/2024, the teams will continue to engage with all relevant stakeholders to increase air traffic to Bermuda.
The Ministry has built strong relationships with various cruise line partners. In 2023, the island can expect a historic increase in cruise arrivals, which will positively impact tax revenue and generate more visitor traffic to businesses at each port. We are approximately 220 cruise ship calls in 2023 compared to 164 for 2022, an increase of approx. 35%. The anticipated number of passengers for 2023 is approximately 622,000, compared to 402,657 in 2022, an increase of 54%. This record cruise season will provide more funds to Government consolidated fund and to the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s budget to execute the National Tourism Plan.
The Department of Marine and Ports is responsible for regulating and safely operating Bermuda's maritime affairs, including marine border security, search and rescue, and public transportation.
The recently announced new and extended schedule for the Pink Ferry Route signifies the dedication of the Department to ensure the community receives the necessary transportation at the right place and at the right time.
The funding allocated in 2023/24 for the new schedule will continue to provide passengers with increased travel flexibility during the week and weekends.
With the increase in cruise calls this year, the Department will require increased services and staffing. The Department and the Ministry are prepared to meet the demand and provide ferry service for visitors and residents.
With the critical mission "To Assure the Safety of All Road Users", the Transport Control Department (also known as TCD) will continue overseeing the operation of all motor vehicles and road users on Bermuda's roads. The Department will play a vital role in the development of the zero-emissions vehicle policy and the Project Ride initiative, which will better prepare our young people for safe road travel.
One of TCD's remits is oversight at locations where large visitor groups gather for transportation. With the increase in cruise passengers, TCD traffic control officers will coordinate and manage traffic in these high-passenger volume locations across the island.
The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) is an evolving department that has strongly led Bermuda's zero emissions strategy. DPT launched its electric bus programme in 2022 by successfully incorporating 30 buses into its fleet.
These buses are operational and have received positive feedback from passengers and residents.
DPT will continue the program in 2023 by purchasing an additional 40 electric buses due to arrive in the summer of 2023. The electric buses provide many benefits to the public, including but not limited to environmental friendliness, healthier air quality for residents, reduced noise pollution and reduced fuel cost to the Government.
During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the Ministry will also be focused on key initiatives such as:
- Upgrading infrastructure at the Hamilton ferry terminal and refits to our fast ferries,
- Building new charging stations infrastructure to support recharging of buses,
- And modernization of the public service vehicle sector
During this fiscal year, the Ministry of Transport’s prevailing mandate is to strengthen Bermuda’s transportation systems to meet the current and future transportation services and products which reflects the Government dedication to “Our Path to Continued Economic Growth”.
Finally, I would like to thank the Ministry of Transport’s committed and hard working team and all of our partners who work in collaboration with the Ministry to ensure we achieve the desired accomplishments for our country, Bermuda.
Thank you