Video: Transport Minister On Buses

September 28, 2011

Yesterday [Sept.27] Transport Minister Terry Lister said 35 – 55 of the island’s buses were out of commission many days due to maintenance issues.

Mr Lister said, “We can operate the system brilliantly with about 35 buses down. We can limp along with 45 buses down, and we’ve struggled over the last two weeks with a range of low days we’ve had 42/43 and high days 55/56.”

“The situation has comes about due to that fact that, with the funding and staff, the two working together has resulted in us not having enough manpower to do all of the maintenance on the buses.

“We have run the buses pretty hard, we run them hard all year and we are now at the point where we should be doing serious preventative maintenance, and because that has that not been done on schedule we are having the problems we have now. We are addressing it by bringing additional manpower on board.”

Minister Lister went on to say that, “One of the problems we have got is that get our buses from a manufacturer in Germany. MAN – everyone has seen them on the back of the bus…”

“The average age of our fleet is 14 years, and so that fleet could have as many as five different sets of transmission onboard. If the bus goes down, we try and fix it ourselves, and if we cannot do it ourselves we have to actually send the transmission back to Germany where they work on it, and send it back to us.

“And that is part of the slowdown that comes with older buses. What we would like to do is keep the fleet younger than what it is right now, but until we do that we will experience ongoing problems due to age.”

The Minister said they have talked about bringing a mechanic to the Island.

12 minute video of Minister Lister answering questions on the buses:

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Comments (34)

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  1. joonya says:

    In that case, a experienced foreign mechanic should have been brought in along time ago. But lemmie guess why that wasn’t done..

    1.He/she will be an Expat working in Gobment.
    2.What do many Expats do? Highlight the poor work ethic that many Bermudians have by raising the bar in productivty and efficiencies.

  2. Truth (Original) says:

    “The situation has comes about due to that fact that, with the funding and staff, the two working together has resulted in us not having enough manpower to do all of the maintenance on the buses.

    Well. We couldn’t have said it better than that. We don’t have enough money to fix the buses. Period. The second issue (shortage of manpower) is a result of the 1st issue, not enough money.

    Perhaps the Government should have had tighter controls over all of those capital projects that were allowed to run 100% – 200%+ overbudget. Maybe then we would have money to fix the buses. Maybe we need to update the legislation to allow the Auditor General to follow the dollar so we can get some of our money back. Instead, to date, the PLP has protected those who behaved in an “unethical” way and have allowed them to walk away richer off of the backs of the people.

    If you want my vote- reveal and go after those who stole our money. Until then, I will view this Government as complicit in those “unethical” activities.

  3. joe says:

    A bus on its way to Somerset on Monday (I believe) ran out of petrol. Ran out! Now, who wasn’t doing their job there? The dispatcher? Driver? UBP? Me?
    Pathetic.

    • Talk2mestr8 says:

      Think that is pathetic?? # 4 route has had MAJOR disruptions for 6 weeks!! When I called PTB to find out the status on a morning school bus, I was given the runaround for about 3 mins. then was finally told the bus was leaving the terminal as we spoke.Mmmm…the bus was already 20 mins. late – the driver was driving like he was doing a sightseeing tour, and took a further 35 mins. to complete the route!! You may have issues with the condition of the buses, but you also have SERIOUS ISSUES WITH THE DRIVERS WHO DON’T CARE!!!!!

    • PEPPER says:

      I am so glad that I do not depend on the bus service ……

  4. Open Brown Eyes says:

    People – - let’s get real for a second, shall we?

    This notion that this overseas mechanic is required to train staff and fix the buses is warranted; HOWEVER, we should be asking WHY is it warranted?

    This current situation is being blamed on “the combination of funding and staffing” shortages – - that is laughable.

    And then to have Truth (Original) to highlight capital projects as the reason for those short falls – - that’s insane.

    The reason the buses are in this state is because of how DPT and the Ministry manage their resources – - no accountability.

    There are resources (financial and human) which are not being utilized properly in that Department – don’t allow the rants and shouts to distract from the real issue – - which is the running of DPT and the Ministry of Transport. Who is pulling the strings? Why are there so many issues now versus a year ago? Which players are different which may have caused this issue to arise? Specifically, these problems (bus strikes, shortages, etc.) did not exist under the previous administration of either DPT or the Ministry – thus, what is different?

    Answer those questions – - and perhaps we can then have a true discussion on how to solve the problems – - as it will be clear as crystal on how to move forward.

    OBE

    • Truth (Original) says:

      @ “Open Brown Eyes- What exactly do you think is insane about my comment? You seem to be suggesting that there is absolutely no correlation between the wastage of money over here and the shortfall of money over there. That, my friend, is either insane or a very poor understanding of how Governments and finances works. Of course they are related ! If the controls were tighter, the Government would have more money. More money to give to PTB to continue the bus maintenance program. More money to keep the Sunshine league operating effectively. More money for Charities that assist so many Bermudian families in times like this. More money to ensure that any of our bright children that want a higher education can get it… and so on and so forth.

      Your point about accountability is EXACTLY the point that I am making. I am just making it in a broader context, i.e., the entire Government vs just the PTB/Mimistry responsible.

      To your question about why the Dept didn’t experience these problems under the previous administration, I offer you this quote from Warren Buffett. “You can always tell who is swimming naked, when the tide goes out”. The tide has gone out and it is no longer possible to hide the fact that we simply don’t have enough money to keep the regular services running effectively.

      • Open Brown Eyes says:

        @Truth (Original):

        I do not believe that the broad stroke that you used in your first statement clearly explained your position – - it was more about a disgust with the present Government and their administration – - i can understand that.

        Thank you for clearing up what you were trying to say – - I spoke specifically to this situation as I know that there are monies available to deal with the issues at DPT – there are not using their resources well.

        In regards to the larger economic “report card” for the current government, the “catch-up” game they are trying to spin is exactly that – it’s a game which they will lose.

        But I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes – - “Guilt and blame will always be present when passion and power exist – - subtract those p’s and you will always get progress and progression.”

        OBE

    • Truth (Original) says:

      Case in point.

      http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110928/NEWS/709289912/1001

      Here’s your previous administration for you.

  5. Terry says:

    Ann maybee if dee Mahkeniks didnut calll hin seek hall dee time ann vurk owatime ven dah seek,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,annn………………………………..ver doomed……….

  6. UM SAYING!!! says:

    OBVIOUSLY SOMEONE IS NOT DOING WHAT THEY ARE HIRED TO DO. AIN’T NO WAY 35 – 55 BUSSES SHOULD BE OUT OF COMMISSION….

    IS HE MAKING EXCUSES… NO WAY!! UNREAL…

    IN MY OPINION THIS STILL DOES NOT EXPLAIN WHY PEOPLE CAN’T BE GIVEN A BUS SCHEDULE THAT HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS.

    STICK TO THE SCHEDULE!!!!!!!!!! EWART BROWN NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM.

    • Terry says:

      Ewart Brown never used the service(bwahaaaa). He used it as a photo op.

      Um goin gatt sum crek….detz rite…….

      • UM SAYING!!! says:

        I never said he rode the buses but transport was his department. Pay attention lovey and leave the crek alone.

        Whitney Houston says crek is wack.

        PEACE!!!

  7. Ian says:

    @joe A bus runs on diesel…..

    • Terry says:

      Their not running. So whats it they run on. Shedhual………..bwahaaaaaaaaa

  8. The Messenger says:

    I’m not sure how many 2K9 series buses (wheelchair access) were purchased but I have NEVER seen one transporting someone in a wheelchair. That was a waste of money purchasing that model. I was also unfortunate to have to ride a 2K9 in the middle of the summer when its air conditioner was not working. I thought I was going to die since the windows do not open. I know if a 2K9s AC isn’t working then It doesn’t go on the road (in the summer). The older models at least you can open the windows. But whatever the problems are, hopefully we can have these maintenance issues resolved soon because it’s still hot outside and I still need to ride the bus.

  9. Tony says:

    We’ve had buses from that manufacturer for decades.We’ve bought more than in the past so technically we have run each one less. Our local mechanics get trained over there.
    The main issue now is that there’s no money ( or more precisely,Government credit )- not for buses, not for the Parks Dept,not for education.
    The truth is we’ve had to do LESS with less. That’s what happens when you can’t use credit or IOU’s like we did in the economic boom (bubble).

  10. BermudaFreePress says:

    “A BRILLIANT PICTURE WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION”

    THERE IS NOTHING BRILLIANT ABOUT THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNION….

    WELL….EXCEPT FOR THE WAY HE TALKS OUT OF THREE SIDES OF HIS MOUTH

    HE KISSES THE BACKSIDES OF THE BUS OPERATORS AND DOCKWORKERS WHILE KICKING THE HOTEL WORKERS IN THE TEETH.

    ONE OF HIS LONG SERVING SHOP-STEWARDS ASKED FOR A TRANSFER FROM WORKING BARS TO MAINTENANCE ON THE GOLF COURSE.

    HE WAS PLACED IN THE LAUNDRY, YES FOLKS HE IS NOW RELUCTANTLY WASHING SHEETS AND TOWELS.

    THIS HOTEL BROUGHT WORKERS INTO BERMUDA TO PUT UP CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.

    LETS HAVE A COMPARISON MR PRESIDENT.

    SHOW BERMUDA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD WHICH DOCK WORKER OR BUS OPERATOR IS TREATED IN THIS FASHION AFTER ONE YEAR OF SERVICE NEVER MIND FORTY YEAR OF DEDICATION, NOT ONLY TO THE COMPANY BUT ALSO TO HIS FELLOW COLLEAGUES?

    ONE MORE THING MR PRESIDENT

    STOP FARTING IN THE WIND AND DO SOMETHING FOR THE “GLASS”.

  11. joonya says:

    Major route disruptions, no money to fix old buses, and all this nonsense while Terry (and all the other Ministers) drive around in their new, clean, blue GP vehicles.

    Talk of wasting money and none left in the pot for the real problems… How ironic. Terry should be giving lifts to people who have been standing in the heat for hours due to schedule f*ckups. I personally would be ashamed to drive around in a blue GP.

    The Truth hurts.

  12. Clinton J. A. Paynter OBA Affiliated says:

    “The average age of our bus fleet is 14 years”. Surely the Minister is mistaken… Or did he say that to make it look as if 55 buses out of service was a reasonable amount because of their advanced age? From what I have observed there are hardly any 14 year old buses on the road… Definatley less than ten at that age. So how do you come up with a 14 year average figure? I would say the average age of the fleet is 8 years.

    • 32n64w says:

      I was thinking the same thing Clinton. Perhaps they count buses that are no longer in service as well!

    • Family Man says:

      Pee el Pee math. He honestly has no idea what is meant by “average”.

    • BUS BOY says:

      If the average is 14 years….does this mean that since some buses were purchased in 2009 then others in the fleet may be 30 years old? I cant remember seeing any buses on the road that were around when I was in high school? I wonder how they figure out averages at PTB?

      Another thing…If the buses are 14 years old on average shouldnt’ he mechanics be trained by now? Shouldn’t they know what they are doing. Something does not add up here. Surely all these downed buses don’t all have the same problem. Can they not take parts from one (of the same model) to fix another? If the buses are out of commission then are the drivers being sent home…I guess overtime must not be required?

      you can fool some people sometimes, but you cant fool all the people all the time.

  13. Jim Garlic... says:

    A former board member says ; You have a Boss Lady in place who cannot for the life of her fire anybody , for anything . Every attempt at doing so has misfired , leaving egg on her pretty little face . She needs to go , period as she has only managed to drive the place into a brick wall .
    There is a manager in one of the sections who is an American , who BTW , unwittingly helped Sam Donaldson dismantel the U.S Bases in Bermuda . He as I understand was instrumental in breaking down the machine and other ancillary workshops at P.T.B , by sending work offshore ,that should have been handled here , wasting money and brainpower . He needs to be treated as a terrorist against all of Bermuda’s aspiring machinest , mechanics and metal workers .
    The PLP under the last regime did not help by removing the Board designation and making it into a department whereas efficiency suffered through lack of hiring and training .
    Bus drivers lack training or sense to call out, or even slowing down when approaching hotels or popular beaches or points of interest when they know they are carring visitors . Tourist are made to feel as if they are a burden to the driver if they ask to many questions or query about where to disembark .

    • Terry says:

      Many years ago, the driver would stop when you pressed the rubber button on the side above your head. Hell they didn’t care if it was a designated stop. Things ran smooth. It was cool and sometimes you got off even closer to where to wanted too. Nah yah gutt hal to fine ah buzz….bring back dee rubbar…..

  14. Beam me up Sparky says:

    Don’t worry Walter Roban recently met with Space Executives. We won’t need buses much longer. Government’s not stupid you know !

  15. No need to ask, he's a Bus Operator says:

    All my expat friends will already know that ‘On the Buses’ is a long time comedy in the UK going back many years. It is filled with lazy workers, crooked bosses and people taking advantage of the system. Its all on Utube – so please take a look. You will relate – yes I promise you will.

    Incidentally, we will have Phillipino bus drivers very soon – as this will be yet another career that Bermudians can’t handle (or pass the drug test for). They will be polite, efficient, and drug free.

    Can’t wait!!

  16. Emeka47 says:

    HOW MANY OF YOU COMMENTING HERE EVER RODE THE BUS FOR AT LEAST A WEEK?
    WHY DON’T THE GOVERNMENT OUTSOURCE ……OUTSOURCE ….. OR PRVATIZE THIS WHOLE BUS DEPARTMENT. THEN WE’D GET BETTER SERVICE. I RIDE THE BUS EVERYDAY. IT’S DEPLORABLE HOW SOME OF THESE DRIVERS TREAT US!!!

    Yea, they have a Union that condones their behavior. We’re tred of the disruptions, no show buses or drivers and to make matters worse, we have a bus pass that can’t carry over to the next month for the days we had no service!

    However, I am happy when I see Mr. E. Thompson, Mr. C Burgess, Mr. Tucker,(from Spanish Point) the younger Mr. Harvey and the few nice ladies(you know we’re NOT talking ‘bot ya all) We just APPRECIATE YOU BUNCH!!!

  17. Dawn de Toilet says:

    Why oh why do they wait till they have 45 buses out of service..rediculousand poor management! This mode of transportation is very important to Bermudians and visitors and ex pats. For crying out loud, get these buses fixed sooner than later and get back to work. If you cant operate a bus system correctly get out of the job and hire someone who can. Its rediculous that you dont have several mechanics working there even if they have to be specialists. This is the same for the ferries..dont wait till they all break down get them fixed as soon as they have a problem. It doesnt take a mathemetician to figure that out.

  18. Dawn de Toilet says:

    You also might think the bus drivers would be on to management to get the buses fixed. The more buses out of services the more drivers with no job! If this keeps up the ferries and the buses will all be out of business. Maybe it is time to privatise. Maybe they can do a better job!

    • 32n64w says:

      “You also might think the bus drivers would be on to management to get the buses fixed.”

      But that would mean having to actually work.

      “The more buses out of services the more drivers with no job!”

      Not likely given the stranglehold the Union has on ensuring the promotion of incompetency in the workplace.

  19. Dawn de Toilet says:

    Yesterday I rode a bus from Harrington sound and the sound coming from the bus was scary. A man on the bus said the sound was the “drive shaft” and it sounded ready to snap. It made an awful noise all the way to Hamilton. I was glad to get off. I bet that is another bus off the road. How many does that make now 46?

  20. Dawn de Toilet says:

    I bet if we sent our buses to Haiti or cuba or some other poor country even in the bad shape they are in, they could fix them and have them running for years. What gives with this island?