Bus and ferry service “will be interrupted” tomorrow [Sept 21], the Ministry has confirmed, with the ferry service the latest to be impacted, with the bus service having been suspended since Friday.
A spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Transport has advised that bus and ferry service will be interrupted tomorrow, 21 September 2021.
“This evening, the Department of Marine and Ports Services BIU staff sent notice that they will be withdrawing their labour tomorrow due to health and safety concerns at work.
“Last week, the BIU Bus Division raised concerns regarding health and safety standards in the workplace. Discussions were held over the weekend and again today; however, there is no agreement between BIU and the Department of Public Transportation [DPT]
“The Ministry of Transport remains fully committed to ensuring the safest possible environment for DPT and M&P staff and will continue the sanitisation practices and safety measures required under the Covid protocols and guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
“The Ministry will keep the public updated with any further changes to the bus and ferry schedules. We appreciate the public’s patience as we navigate our way through this pandemic.
“Lastly, each of us has a role to play in stopping the spread of the coronavirus. Please follow Public Health guidelines, wear a mask, practice good hand hygiene, maintain physical distance and download the WeHealth Bermuda App,’ the statement added.
The public transportation system is one of multiple services and businesses impacted by the record high active Covid cases, as with over 1500 currently active, thousands more in quarantine, parents having challenges as public school buildings are not open as remote learning is in place, multiple services are being affected.
Other services that have been impacted include, but are not limited to, the Accountant-General cashiers in the Government Administration Building is closed this week, reduced services in the Courts, some post office deliveries have been impacted, some residential garbage may go uncollected due to staffing shortages, as well as a range of closures of businesses in the private sector.
