Public transportation disrupted by BIU meeting (update 3)

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 3:30PM UPDATE:

Marine and Ports – Ferry Service

A spokesman for the Department of Communication and Information said this afternoon: “With the cooperation of crews, we were able to maintain a reduced Dockyard to Hamilton service and a Dockyard to St. Georges service, however the St. Georges service was then impacted by a mechanical problem.

“We expect a cancellation of the 3:30pm Hamilton to Dockyard service because of this mechanical issue and the lack of repair staff earlier to attempt to effect timely engine repairs.

“The tender Bermudian will continue to operate on overtime this evening between Hamilton and Dockyard to make up for this shortfall while supplementing commuter requirements.

“There were no shipping movement delays.  The Norwegian Gem sailed on time with a tug in attendance and the Celebrity Summit was running behind schedule and arrived at Dockyard approximately 30 minutes late.”

Department of Public Transport  - Buses:

The spokesman said: “All staff are back to work and full service was resumed by 1:15pm.  A partial service was operated during the meeting with approximately 20 % of scheduled runs operating.”

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 1:35PM UPDATE: Ferry staff are now returning to their duties. We anticipate normal services as of 2:30pm from all stops. The 2:30 departure from St. George’s will be delayed approximately 20-30 minutes. Services are still subject to change.

THURSDAY, MAY 3, 9:45AM UPDATE: Due to the Bermuda Industrial Union general meeting scheduled for 10.30 a.m. this morning ferry service will be disrupted until further notice. Please note the following:

Blue Route - Will continue on an hour schedule departing Hamilton at 9:30am.  JL Cecil Smith is the operative ferry  

Pink Route -  Last ferry from Hamilton 10am

Orange Route - Some services to St. George’s have now been reinstated. Note the following times: 

Dockyard to St. George’s: 9:45am and 11:45am

St. George’s to Dockyard: 10:45am and 12:45pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 2: Please note, the Bermuda Industrial Union has called an urgent meeting for their members tomorrow (Thursday) at 10:30am at Union Headquarters.

The Ministry of Transport has advised the general public that there may be some disruptions to public transport as a result.

Staff from the Department of Public Transport (busses) and Department of Marine and Ports (ferries) are members of the BIU and the executive have not requested their members to provide a reduced service.

Plans are being put in place to provide transportation for cruise visitors in Dockyard in the event that busses and ferries are not available and the public will be informed as to what transportation options will be available.