Since becoming Minister of Tourism, Transport and Municipalities, Senator the Hon. Michael M. Fahy JP has taken note of a number of complaints from west end commuters that there are not enough seats heading east on morning bus runs on the Number 8 route out of the Dockyard.
The Minister stated: “Cruise ship passengers have filled the seats on some morning buses leaving residents standing at bus stops, watching crowded buses pass them by.
“We have considered a number of suggestions and have decided to make a change to resolve the issue in the short term, while we contemplate long term solutions.
“The Ministry has taken advice from technical teams, which has included input from the West End Development Corporation, the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Department of Marine and Ports Services and the Department of Public Transportation.”
As a result starting Monday June 6th 2016, a select number of buses on the Number 8 route that have previously departed from the Maritime Museum will now start their route at the Department of Public Transportation Depot in Dockyard (next to the Prisons Officers Recreation Club) turn right, enroute to Hamilton, leaving the depot Monday to Friday at the following times: 9:35am, 10:35am, 11:35am, 12:35pm and 1:35pm.”
Minister Fahy added, “Only these buses will bypass the Visitors Information Centre to ensure adequate seating capacity for Bermudians. I certainly hope this rectifies the immediate problem for Bermuda’s west end commuters.
”I am advised that this will not impact cruise ship visitors in any appreciable way.”