DPT Contracts Eight Minibuses To Assist
A “combination of mechanical breakdowns and accidents has resulted in a higher than normal number of vehicles being out of service,” the Department of Public Transportation confirmed, adding that DPT has “contracted 8 minibuses to assist with the after-school service, as an interim measure.”
As Bernews has previously reported, there were 6 bus runs cancelled on Wednesday, 53 on Thursday and 38 runs cancelled today.
A Government spokesperson said, “On September 10, the Department of Public Transportation resumed the school bus service which requires additional buses and operators to meet the published schedule.
“A combination of mechanical breakdowns and accidents has resulted in a higher than normal number of vehicles being out of service this week. DPT and MAN technicians are working to repair several buses in short order. Additionally, a recruitment drive for Bus Operators is well underway.
“To ensure a reliable school bus service, DPT has contracted 8 minibuses to assist with the after-school service, as an interim measure until the bus fleet and Operator count is restored.
“New bus deliveries continue with the receipt of one more this week, to be followed by two additional buses in November. In addition, the new bus RFP closes on Monday 16 September, and will inform the next purchase of buses.
“DPT apologises for the inconvenience caused by service cancellations and will keep the public informed through the Bus Alerts page on the government website, and by email to subscribers.”
Wasn’t that the same excuse before school got out!!
#clueluess
And the new – coming soon – bus schedule?
All that fanfare only for them to fall back, now they’re back to square one. What a mess.
Recently,the Minister was waxing lyrical about the bus service and school has been in for how long?
And who Owes the minibuses ?
Cha ching.
This Island is becoming like a third world country..
The bus situation just gets worse…and is there a bus schedule yet ?
Friends and family kicking in!
There isn’t enough buses but they hire 15 new drivers.
So what are the drivers doing while these buses are not able to be in service? I imagine they are cooling out in the lunchroom chomping at the bit to get back in the saddle, so to speak in order to fulfill their obligations to the taxpaying public. It must be soul destroying for these public sector heros to be held back from venturing forth to fulfill their daily endeavors and commitments. Of course they may have just been told to go home which is not satisfying.
Maybe they could be employed to wash and clean the busses that are not on the road so at least they can feel that they are contributing to the image if not the substance of the service. It is patently obvious that the busses may go several weeks without being cleaned and washed.
Outside the box. Since many of the bus fleet end up in Dockyard why not employ Westgate prisoners to clean and wash the fleet? Good for the visuals I.e. Clean vehicles for passengers, good for the drivers i.e. Pride in their vehicle and good for the prisoners so they can contribute to the greater community.
Go figure.
STOP COMPLAINING!!!!
24-11