Good Morning.
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, the Ministry of Transport will introduce new initiatives and strengthen existing programmes by taking a contemporary approach to rebuilding Bermuda's economy.
As stated in the Throne Speech:
The tourism recovery will be aided by the Ministry of Transport, which will pursue an air service development policy to secure increased airlift from traditional gateway cities and increase Bermuda's connectivity.
In line with Bermuda's Economic Recovery Plan, air service development is at the forefront of economic recovery.
Over the course of the 20 years in which the Bermuda Government had operational control over the airport, on average Bermudians enjoyed over $40 million in airport generated revenue annually. Until 2020, airlines had the financial ability to weather our shoulder season. During this legislative year, working with the Bermuda Airport Authority and Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Transport will explore every opportunity to reduce the risk associated with the Minimum Regulated Revenue Guarantee or MRRG to Skyport which over the past 18 months has cost the taxpayers more than $40 million; $19 million has been paid this calendar year. This includes the most recent payment of $8,451,053.51. It should be noted that this does not include other additional payments, for example, at least $160,000 per month or a total of $2 million per year for electricity and the millions of dollars that must be budgeted for air service development which, under the Project Agreement, is the responsibility of Skyport.
We all rely on consistency when it comes to air travel and prefer the least number of connections while traveling to and from the island. We will work with both air service providers and airlines alike to provide increased frequency to core gateway cities and possibly open new air routes and passenger traffic for medical and sport tourism opportunities on-island.
The Ministry is currently working with airlines and air service providers to deliver greater consistency to gateway cities in the United States with the possibility to provide convenient connections to mid-west and west coast cities.
The 2022 cruise ship season is shaping up for a competitive return. The Ministry is working with local cruise line agents, and as of today, we have confirmed 180 cruise visits.
We value the cruise ship industry and the economic impact it has on our economy. It is estimated that each cruise ship visit contributes approximately $1 million to the local economy.
When it comes to public transportation, while the opposition has declared their intent to privatize this service, the Ministry’s focus is on working with and strengthening the relationship with our internal stakeholders (the Unions). This includes hiring additional bus operators to provide safe, consistent and reliable service to our customers. In addition, the Ministry is investing in and focusing on providing environmentally sound alternatives.
The Ministry of Transport will continue to work with the Department of Energy to explore the global and regional landscapes of zero-emission mobility and the opportunities it creates for Bermuda, including electric vehicles.
A cross-ministry initiative is already underway with the Government's Energy Transition Projects team, which includes the evolution of the public bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles.
In February 2022, 30 electric buses will arrive on island. The Department of Public Transportation will bring these buses online to service our existing bus routes. DPT is currently managing the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the Fort Langton Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure, and has recently completed the RFP for Digital Fare Media on public buses and ferries.
The Department of Transport Control will continue modernizing the delivery of online services with digitally-based operations and improving customer service by providing online options for patrons.
Sadly this week we mark the 16th road fatality for this year, the highest number of deaths we have recorded since 2008. This statistic is very troubling. We must improve transportation safety on both our roads and waterways.
I have asked Bermuda Road Safety and Bermuda Water Safety Councils to increase their public education campaigns regarding safety on Bermuda's road and water ways. In the new year we will announce enhanced policies and procedures for new road users seeking to obtain a licence.
We must do a better job to help save our fellow Bermudians from losing their lives too soon.
The Government and the Bermuda Police Service cannot do this alone.
We are our brother’s keeper. Everyone must help us change the culture of speed and careless disregard for others on our roads and waters. The Ministry of Transport is determined to work diligently during this legislative session to bring efficient and modernized changes.
Thank you