18 Buses Out Of Service, Interruptions Expected
The Transport Ministry said there may be interruptions in bus service from 2pm to 7pm today [June 20] as 18 buses are out of service waiting for new tires, which are expected in tomorrow.
A spokesperson said, “The Department of Public Transport [DPT] wishes to advise the public that there may be some interruption to service today during the peak period from 2:00pm – 7:00pm.
“A higher than normal number of vehicles are currently out of service and DPT is closely monitoring the service and will continue the scheduled runs where the demand is highest.
“The current situation will be alleviated with the scheduled delivery of a shipment of tires tomorrow, June 21st, as currently 18 buses are out of service waiting for new tires.
“DPT apologies for any inconvenience that may be caused and will endeavor to keep the travelling public advised.”
UNACCEPTABLE!!!TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN ORDERED LONG TIME AGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How the hell are 18 buses needing tires at the same time? You dont need mch of a noggin to realize that the service on these vehicles should be staggered.
Privatize the public transportation system on this island already!
Its either incompetent management or the friggin BIU that make public transport a disgrace. And while you’re at it do the same for trash collection too. Amateurs.
you can safely say, that in Bermuda, no matter what time of day or the week; there is a strong chance that your bus or ferry will not turn up when you expect it to, with no advanced warning. And this has nothing to do with the weather.
Until the service is privatized into a business where it seeks to make a profit margin, it will forever be below the standards. A business could not function with such an outage and revenue loss as this on what seems to be a fairly regular basis.
Well folks, here you have it. Good Governance in action. All this effort devoted to take the contract away from Island Construction and this is what you get. Serves you right Paula; go create some jobs as opposed to trying to punish your friends. At least Zane got the damn tires here on time.Every time you cave in to either your personal demons or your Opposition you get egg on your face. Every time.
Actually get your facts straight here. I’ve been told personally from Dan Simmons the Director of PTB that it is an order from Island Construction that is late – NOT one of the new suppliers! They were meant to be here in May! The last consignment before the new people take over. Tell the truth or say nothing!
Happy to be put right. However, if this has been known since May, then the PR machinery of the Ministry should’ve been in action much sooner and not await 18 buses out of service to tell the country. This Ministry used to handle this kind of thing far better. Ewart would’ve told you early, organized some mini-buses to fill the gaps in service and thrown a party so it didn’t feel so bad. But oh yeah, now you just have to wait, moan and cuddle up to some good governance. However you slice it, this is just dumb.
Bullfeathers! As a new supplier has been tendered, the new supplier should be able to supply the tires now and any outstanding shipments from the previous supplier should be held in backstock. It is unacceptable for 18 units to be out of commission awaiting new tires. Being in the automotive industry for many years, I do know and understand that shipment delays happen due to uncontrollable circumstances but if a new tender has been awarded, the new entity should be able to supply said goods immediately.
Before the negativity starts the 300 tyres from Zane went to the Bahamas three months ago they should be here now and only he can make mistakes we have no controll over shipping also the new contract vendors were only asked to get fifty tyres τнατ can only do eight busses were was the rest of the tyres coming from if all these busses are off the road everyday you see buses broken down that’s not due to 5o tyres they asked for if you all can do a better job without a hitch without ripping government off then hats off to all who can honestly
wasn’t there an article just recently saying new contracts for tire suppliers had been secured?
Yes – three or four dealers for tires. I have seen three or four buses on the roadside unmanned and the tires looked absolutely fine. Buses have been breaking down for weeks. Okay Chris, what are your thoughts about this one?
This most definitely is not good Governance to us but to Gov’ment t is absolutely Good to them.
Does anyone know if the 5:pm ferry to St. George’s is going to be moved down to 5:25pm to accommodate those who have to get to St. George’s? Oh yes, Harbour Night tonight so maybe Government wants everybody to stay in town for that!
Make note our transportation and the conditions of our roads while they drive around in their GP’s and FLY any and everywhere they deem they can and should go.
I am going to be sure to place my tick in the right box – OBA has my vote!
U MUST BE JOKING! ANYBODY WOULD THINK THAT WE ARE LIVING IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY! WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE WHOLE DAMN BUS SERVICE IS SHUTTING DOWN BECAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE ANY NEW TIRES! FIRE SOMEBODY NOW! SOMEBODY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS “TRASH” (DEFINITELY NOT THE WORD I WANNA USE)! SO I AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER BERMUDIANS THAT RELY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NOW FIND OURSELVES IN A DILEMMA BECAUSE OF SOME INCOMPETENT FOOL, SIMPLETON, CLOWN,IMBECILE,,MORON,DOPE OR OUTRIGHT IDIOTS LACK OF PLANNING!!
Ok, really?! May the real story kindly be told? How do you go from what appears to be perfectly operating buses until 2pm today (with no interruptions may I add) to all of a sudden 18 inoperable?!!! Seems a bit convenient that the interruption period is during the busiest times. If the tires don’t come in until tomorrow, why isn’t the announcement saying “until further notice” as clearly they won’t be on for at least a few more days. Is this another illegal strike in the making? I’m jus sayin! This just doesn’t add up!!!
the tire vendor probably wanted to be paid first before shipping said tires…..all of this and more brought to you by your friends in the PLP Government…..how can we ever thank you…
THIS IS SO UNREAL. BERMUDA GET IT TOGETHER.
What about the school children ? Does anyone know if they would atleast pick them up ?
I am calling Berkeley and Cedarbridge right now
I believe that our buses normally have 6 tyres, 2 front and 4 rear, 18 buses out of service means that we need 108 tyres. if it was any less I’m sure that someone at the bus depot would have realised that they could take enough good tyres from some of the eighteen to keep a few of them in service to meet their commitment to providing the Island with public transport.
I just hope the same procurement department is not handling the toilet rolls for Government offices…
I hope they ARE handling the government toilet paper orders. About time those lot got their fingers dirty.
this is a very sad day for Bermuda (i guess we are going to become a 3rd world country very soon)
We are well past third world status, fifth world is more like it, oh, and we love it that way!
I have been informed that when bus schedules are disrupted, the high schools either do not have buses or few buses. Students either walk into town or to the nearest bus stop or parents pick up their students.
WAY DID MR SIMMONS SELL 10 BUSES I WAS TOLD THAY WERE STILL GOOD!!!!!!
On May 16, Bernews posted this story http://bernews.com/2012/05/government-awards-1-million-tyre-contract/.
not even shocked anymore
As someone who depends on public transportation to get anywhere, I find this extremely appalling.
Did anyone actually read the article? I agree that the interruption of the bus service is not a good thing – - but let’s analyze the reason for the interruption – “they are awaiting tires.” Wouldn’t that be the fault of the contracted tire companies for a possible delay in the shipment of said tires? Maybe. Could it be the lack of plannning on the part of DTP? Absolutely. Is it the end of the world or reason to call for the head of the government? No.
Get a grip people – - as bad as this may be, it could be worst – remember that.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
YBM,
No matter how you dress it up this is joke.
The suppliers held the shippment till they got paid.
This country is now on COD with suppliers.
It’s generally the last step before you default on loans and can no longer borrow money from one lender to pay another.
Sooner than later this house of cards will crash to the ground!
sharkbreath – tell the truth or say nothing! It is nothing to do with the new contract – this is an island construction order which was meant to arrive May!
This reads like White & Sons on Southside in St. David’s – no sugar, no milk, no bread, no flour, no salt, no ice cream, no cheese (hard), no bananas, cod fish $9.++, no shampoo and the list goes on… COD baby, COD!! seems to be the WAY in 2012.
And when are you going to can that stupid ,overworked and corny bye line of yours ? Because too often the stuff you type shows you DON’T know !
When you grow up a bit and get the knowledge that comes with time and real experience then maybe you can fine tune it and use a new improved version that shows you’re finally a weenie bit smarter but still do not know everything !
@cringe everytime:
I am convinced that you do not read my post nor do you proof-read your own.
I have never stated that I know everything – that would be arrogant/stupid and I am neither.
My tag line, which you described as “stupid, overworked, and corny” reflects my unique outlook on all matters. It is a call for all of us to strive to gain knowledge and seek out truth – (a bit poetic, sure).
This forum allows anyone to share their ideas, thoughts, feelings on the topic of the day – - how dare you assume that you can even grasp the meaning of the words I speak? The thoughts I possess? The knowledge and wisdom I hold? You have no clue from whence I have come, my friend, thus you cannot begin to comprehend my “stupid, overworked, and corny” tagline.
In parting, I will leave you with a simple thought:
“It is in the gaining of knowledge that truth is acquired, or stupidity is revealed.” (a quote created by me)
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
It would be just as stupid if someone else finished up their posts with
‘Young WHITE mind’
Those who know , understand. How would that rub you ?
Just because you have a ‘black mind’ or any colour for that matter doesn’t mean you know jack.
And your corny bye line doesn’t give credence to any thing you type , which is really nothing more than your just opinion or observations.
Can it .
Thank you! Thank you for simply stating what exactly about my post that you don’t like.
For the record, I would not have an issue with anyone who would put “Young White Mind” as their name in this forum – - if it describes who they are or what they want to be described as – so be it.
It simply is your hang-up that you pinpoint that I describe myself as “black” – nothing more.
Again, in regards to my tagline and my posts – you are absolutely correct – they are my opinions and observations – your point? I have always indicated that my posts are exactly that – MINE. That makes your comments sound bitter and useless.
I will continue to provide my personal thoughts and opinions on the topics of the day as this is my right – - deal with it or simply please, with all due respect, ignore my post – they will do you no harm – honestly.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
and could it be the supplier insists on payment up front?
Old White Mind
(I still don’t understand)
@navin johnson:
It is quite possible. Without question, there is a lack of foresight by DTP in this situation and that needs to be addressed. They need to held accountable – I’ve never denied that. Just stated that the world wasn’t going to end yesterday because of it – that’s all.
Yng Black Mind
(those who know understand)
See, Paula. I hope you’re reading. All these posters are the SAME people who you’re trying to please with this good governance BS. You do it, the new suppliers aren’t ready and can’t get the stuff here on time and you get no breaks or credit from these detractors for trying. For God’s sake, lead !!!
@ Hmmmmmm…. Have you seen the contract Government has with the nes suppliers? Do you know how many tyres the dealers are required to keep in stock? Do you known the “lead time” that is required for delivery? Do you know the payment schedule (deposit) required for each order? Were they informed at the time of the contract that 100+ tyres would be required in the 1st month?
If these guys were awarded the contract a month ago it will take time to get their initial delivery (which is most likely just ariving) and without the proper input from PTB they would be guessing on the numbers to order….
Once again – this is a DPT problem, they insisted that they should honor an order placed with Island Construction which was meant to arrive in May.
You’re way off track there Gill.
These tires don’t all wear out at once.There’s no money to pay for the shippment and it was held.The government has no money.
It’s 3rd World for here on thanks to the plp.
Paula must have had a problem with the previous supplier whom had this for eight years straight. We have been told in March 20 Busses were off the road due to no tyres , they then pulled in new supplier whom supplied 300 tyres two them in two weeks , inwhich it took four months for payment , this is why Island Constructions disapeared to the Bahamas. Why now in these tough times can anybody do better without a hitch, lets be honest with eachother here. Put aside the hate and hope for the best. NO ONE IS PERFECT.
Just that you know the truth, the new vendors supplied 300 tyres before this contract started due to the previous vendor not giving product in time . Without the new vendor carifter would have been a disaster, 20 busses were off at that time poor excuse. Someone has to be blammed .
The whole Country, under the sustained occupation of the PLP, is slipping-n-sliding into the abyss.
Street wise. hold on …. we have Burch making a comeback, Walton Brown and Mark Bean,and the pissed off Derrick Burgess and Zane……. these lot have their own agenda…it is to benifit them…..and like our former leader said this to will pass….. because Bermudians are so stupid and believe all of this crap from our so called leaders……and else for premier cox she is still a cog ..
Who the HECK is running things up at DPT!?!?! How can they not feel embarrassed?!?!? INCOMPETANT – UNRELIABLE IDIOTS. Get rid of them.
Paula Cog,
Please wait until March to call the election. The longer you wait, the more events like this can happen and drive more nails in the coffin of the PLP.
Soooo they have 18 buses off the road. do they all have different size tires!?!?!?!? PRETTY SURE YOU COULD GET 9 OF THOSE BUSES BACK ON THE ROAD, MINIMUM! doesn’t take a genius…what freakin people are running these services?!?!!?
We’ve had ‘adopt a park’ and ‘adopt a school’, maybe its time we ran an ‘adopt a bus’ campaign. The PLP government needs some volunteers to help pay for the fuel and tires and spare parts for its 75 buses. Who will be the first to step forward. We need some ‘true patriots’ here. Zane? Ewart? Colonel? Any of the consultants on generous contracts?
The real issue, as stated above, is not that the tyres weren’t ordered early enough. The real issue is that ALL OF A SUDDEN, 18 buses are “unsafe to drive” and had to be taken off the road at the same time. Really? Really?
Smells like the BIU is somehow involved.
Where are LaVerne’s insightful comments when you really need them?
I catch the Ferry most days from Watford Bridge to Hamilton and back. For the past few weeks the AC has not worked on any ferry I have caught.
I have been told (by ferry workers) that there is not enought money in the kitty to pay the necessary overtime.
Government is broker than most of us realize!
Where the hack’s Bermuda’s original tyre guru … Rueben ,, Rueben , where are you . Show Zane and Kim and the rest O’ dem wannabe tyre purveyors how it’s done , Rueben come out de rocks bye .
and please show this person to get a life
Who the hell voted in these clowns?
This is the tip of the iceberg
Marine Police can no longer get fuel from their usual supplier
It’s about time someone asked the Premier a straight question and obtained a yes or no answer
This country has run out of cash
While we are on the subject why does the premier have two cars GP1 and an oversized Toyota Camry with a private plate beginning 4
Maybe there is no cash to fill up the BMW
Well Bermuda, the chickens have come home to roost and the cows have come home to lay back and watch the rise and fall of a problem that we created for ourselves.
When we accepted the “gift” of Kids and Seniors riding the buses “free” we didn’t anticipate having to PAY for it down the road. It was only a matter of time before the revenue would dwindle way below the amount needed to maintain the busses and ferries. The tires are not the only problem, what about FUEL, people to fix buses and to drive them. Where do you get all this money when you take all that money out of the revenue pool? Bermuda is in a very sad position and there is no way out of it based on what I see. We are borrowing money like crazy and the Bible says that the borrower becomes a slave to the lender. We are selling ourselves and our children out of a place that we call home.
Im surprised if theres any money in the kitty to hold an election!! Or will this be the new tactic to hold on to power! Sorry voters we dont have enough money to have an election so we will carry on with the status quo.
There are only so many fingers available to put fingers in the dike…The PLP is now looking like the guy who spins the plates on a stick until they start to fall off….and it would not be summer and tourist season(the few that we still have) without bus service interruptions be it to approve a schedule, KFC, tires…..picking up a pattern here….Salvation Army cannot keep up with demand…and still the Ministers travel all over the world…..school teachers buy their own supplies…..more borrowing?
43 buses are out of comission inclueding these 18 for various mechanical problems.
LOL source Gary Mourino.
Good bye PLP , let the door hit you in the a$$ on the way out.