Bus Service Is Suspended Until Further Notice
[Updated: Government now confirm that "bus service has been suspended until further notice" and subsequently stated that "bus service has been interrupted due to industrial action taken by the Bus Operators" who "raised concerns regarding health and safety standards in the workplace."]
The list of bus cancellations for this morning [September 17] indicated that there are 71 bus runs cancelled so far today, and it is likely more cancellations will occur.
As far as the official announcements there were 78 runs cancelled on Monday, 90 cancelled on Tuesday, 39 runs cancelled on Wednesday and over 220 runs cancelled on Thursday.
The Government has previously stated that bus services have been impacted due to “pandemic related staffing shortages” and we have asked the Ministry for comment on unofficial talk circulating that suggests the entire bus service may possibly end up being suspended, and if we get a response, we will update.
With over 1,000 active Covid-19 cases and thousands of people having been asked to quarantine due to being contacts of positive cases, the bus service is only one of many services/businesses impacted, as the island deals with a record high amount of active cases.
Update 4.03pm: Rather than issuing a list of afternoon cancellations, the Government website has updated to say “Bus Service Temporary Suspended Until Further Notice,” screenshot below.
Update 5.28pm: We have now received an advisory from the Government stating, “Public Transportation – as of late today [Sept. 17], the bus service has been suspended until further notice.”
Update 10.04pm: A Government spokesperson said, “This evening [Sept. 17], the Department of Public Transport [DPT] confirmed that the bus service has been interrupted due to industrial action taken by the Bus Operators.
“The operators raised concerns regarding health and safety standards in the workplace. The DPT stressed this evening that it considers the health, safety and wellbeing of all bus operators, staff and commuters the highest priority.
“Furthermore, the DPT notes that its sanitisation practices strictly adhere to the safety measures required by the Ministry of Health, which include daily deep cleaning of all busses.
“The DPT remains fully committed to ensuring the safest possible environment for all DPT staff and the travelling public as we navigate the pandemic.
“The DPT will keep the public updated with any further changes to the bus schedule.
“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.”
This comes as the island is experiencing record high Covid cases, with active cases now surpassing 1,200.
Will anyone notice. The bus service has been crap for years.
I do wonder if this is the fallout from the protest march where social distancing was not well maintained and masks were not worn as they are intended. Lots of shouting took place etc. Im not here to argue etc but it really is coincidental that the Union lead called off further protests for the time being claiming further discussion. I really hope the members see how precarious the situation was for their health and wellbeing. More importantly I hope they are not symptomatic and if so get well soon.
How odd. I didn’t even notice.
People who use these services notice.
…and these people continue to vote for a party that will do nothing to help them. These people deserve what they get.
Saud you said it
Oh my gawsh how are we gonna get to the prayer vigil at the hospital?
I am really wondering if we have a Premiere anymore. If someone (or a public servant) is not for assistance to the public at large, then they are a hinderance. I really smell something fishy about this last few weeks. The country needs leadership in times of distress , not a figurehead who is hiding!
Could be something else sinister here going on, I am told by my best friend that no trash was picked up in the East End today.
I am wondering if the BIU have anything to do with this and the government ain’t sayin?
So private minibuses are doing the brunt of public transportation. Private truckers are taking care of trash. Private contractors are doing the work previously done by W&E. Private schools are producing the only educational success stories. What exactly are the government workers doing apart from collecting their wages each week/month and enjoying their extensive benefits? Maybe our absent ‘leader’ can explain?
Shut it down and the Post Office. Both loss makers and no service. Save tens of millions of vital dollars.
So what are the none affected drivers doing??
Oh nevermind.
Private service begins shortly
Where is Blurt?
Buses are being wiped down with disinfectant and one cloth per bus…. I saw that on Thursday… guy starts at front and goes to back on one side and down from back on other side…. He should be using more than one cloth…or disposable wipes. Wondering if cleaners at Depot are steam cleaning buses rather than wiping down.
So let’s get this straight. Bus drivers work individually and do not need to come into close contact with the passengers. Why aren’t the drivers who are well still working? How many drivers are ill with the virus anyway? “Pandemic related concerns” about health and safety is a broad copout. Where is there any accountability within the transport sector? And where is the Premier? Has he abdicated responsibility?
Aside from being the Premier of this country , he also has a social and moral responsibility to address the people of Bermuda. We are in a critical situation and nothing . Maybe he’s having a nervous breakdown ….. a least that is a good excuse !!
How many vaccinated bus drivers do we have? Can they keep some buses running? Better than non at all! Stop their pay!
What is going on? does Mr. Chris Furbert wants to run the Island, because it sure seems that way with his demands, his threats not too long ago that he shut down government, or something to that effect. What does he think will happen, hope he has a good tree in his back yard that is producing $100 bills, because once Government is no longer there, everything stops, that also means no more money. The last work stoppage he made, he was told it was unlawful, but he went ahead with it, WHY wasn’t something done then, I, or anyone else breaks the law we are taken before a court to answer charges. Mr. Burt, grow some b@&*s and stand up to these threats, remember, the people put you in power to run their country for them, all the people, not just a few.
If the buses are not running because of lockdown or because of Covid infections… who cares?! What’s the difference? After all, it is the same effect. People failed to see from the beginning that public health, the economy, and education are all intertwined. This is not the flu. This is not a drill. Take your individual precautions to be safe. It is sad that once again the children are still paying the price for a minority of reckless adults. As well as those that need essential health services right now.
“[Updated: Government now confirm that "bus service has been suspended until further notice" and subsequently stated that "bus service has been interrupted due to industrial action taken by the Bus Operators" who "raised concerns regarding health and safety standards in the workplace."]”
So which is it, an illegal strike or a Government suspension of services? It makes a difference.
A whole Workweek went by, the Union and Government were supposed to iron out the problems. Seems we are in limbo. No premier, no labor Minister, all we have is an island slowly collapsing from Covid. Moral responsibility to the Public at Large would dictate that the Premier would address this country with proper answers and plans going forward. What of the Governor?
Two weeks from now, the current case counts will inflate Hospitalizations leading to many more deaths. This is serious and no laughing matter. How long will our nurses hold out from this heavy influx of emergencies? How long before the airport and cargo docks become seriously limited due to infections and quarantining? Come on Premier, let’s get on the ball. Public have good ideas, where are yours? We don’t need to lose Bermuda under your Watch or Cabinet’s. Roll the Curfew earlier by a few Hours. Restrict Movement. Some people driving don’t need to be out. They hold up 10-20 vehicles on the road just puttering around. People need to stay home and quit mixing. Enforce it or many more will become a liability to the Health Care system or die. I am disgusted with the lack of leadership.
It’s the non-protest protest.
Very true. Hopefully the mechanics will take advantage of this vehicle down time to catch-up on maintenance.
I know, I know, makes way too much sense. The administration would never think of it & the union would never go along with it.
C’mon …. that would mean actual work ….. unheard of !!