Pink Route Ferry Suspended For Two Weeks
“The Pink Route service has been temporarily suspended for two weeks and is scheduled to return on July 25,” Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport Owen Darrell said, explaining that “this pause allows our teams to carry out essential repairs and safety checks.”
Speaking in the House of Assembly today [July 11] the Minister said, “The ferries operating this route – the the Georgia, Corona, and Coralita – are all 37 years old, well beyond their intended 30-year design lifespan. As a result, we are seeing more frequent mechanical issues and increasingly complex repairs.
“Due to safety concerns, the Pink Route service has been temporarily suspended for two weeks and is scheduled to return on July 25. This pause allows our teams to carry out essential repairs and safety checks. While we understand the inconvenience this may cause, public safety must always come first. We cannot and will not compromise on that principle.
“When service resumes, the Pink Route will operate on a reduced weekday commuter schedule. This will help us strike the right balance between public access and the need for ongoing vessel maintenance.”
The Minister’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to provide this Honourable House an important update on the status of the Pink Route Ferry service, which falls under the remit of the Department of Marine and Ports Services’ team. This route, which serves the Paget and Warwick communities, plays a vital role in our public transportation network across the harbour. In recent weeks, the service has faced growing operational challenges due to mechanical concerns stemming from an aging fleet. I would like to share the current status, the steps underway to resolve the matter, and our plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of ferry services in Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday I met with the team at the Department of Marine and Ports Services, including members of ferry crew from the Paget/Warwick route, to review the current status of the Pink Route Ferry service. Our discussions focused on the condition of the fleet, operational safety, and the wider challenges of managing aging marine infrastructure. It was an open and constructive conversation that reflected a shared commitment to safe and dependable ferry transport. The meeting reinforced how important it is to maintain strong communication between frontline staff, management and the Ministry.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday’s 90-minute session brought together ferry masters, engine drivers, deckhands, engineers, tradesmen, and a supervising officer – the very people who keep this service afloat. The crews voiced their concerns regarding the vessels’ condition and the operational limitations they face. Despite these challenges, they reaffirmed their dedication to serving the public with consistency and care. Their professionalism, passion and pride in their roles were clear throughout. One crew member said it best: “It is important to serve the people, not just serve, but with quality!”
Mr. Speaker, the ferries operating this route – the the Georgia, Corona, and Coralita – are all 37 years old, well beyond their intended 30-year design lifespan. As a result, we are seeing more frequent mechanical issues and increasingly complex repairs. These vessels require thorough inspection and maintenance to remain in-service. This situation highlights the urgent need for targeted investment in fleet renewal and maintenance to keep the public ferry system running safely and reliably.
Mr Speaker, due to safety concerns, the Pink Route service has been temporarily suspended for two weeks and is scheduled to return on July 25. This pause allows our teams to carry out essential repairs and safety checks. While we understand the inconvenience this may cause, public safety must always come first. We cannot and will not compromise on that principle.
Mr. Speaker, when service resumes, the Pink Route will operate on a reduced weekday commuter schedule. This will help us strike the right balance between public access and the need for ongoing vessel maintenance. Weekend service will remain suspended for now to provide our technical teams with the time and space needed to complete deep maintenance, conduct safety testing, and ensure full compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
Mr Speaker, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the ferry crews, engineers, technical support and the leadership at Marine and Ports for their steadfast dedication and tireless efforts during this challenging period. These public officers work hard under pressure and often behind the scenes to keep this element of our public transportation service running. Their efforts not only ensure passenger safety but also uphold public trust in the reliability and integrity of our marine services.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Let’s remember this is the Govt who wanted to cut back the Pink Line service previously. So, it would appear that by simply ignoring maintenance for the past year they are getting a ‘reduction’ in service they originally wanted. Now, they have to take one (of three) of the boats out of service for 3 weeks (it has already been out for one) to catch up on the maintenance. We all know we can’t afford new boats…but at least they should commit to maintaining the old ones properly.
Safety is paramount. But an apology to the ferry commuters who have been inconvenienced for months by this “choppy” service would be nice. Especially given that it’ll be 2 weeks before any service resumes.
An alternative to get commuters to and from Hamilton each day would be even better. And what about the resort owners whose guests rely on the ferry at Salt Kettle?
In the past, other boats were looped in to maintain service continuity. Is that not an option? Or do people not care?
People care. It’s the PLP/Government that doesn’t. More proof that like the rest of Bermuda, ferries are not maintained. Seems everything is run until they break then blame their age. PLP/Government is more interested in jetting off around the world to have photo ops and avoid making decisions and taking responsibility.
”The ferries are 37 years old, well beyond their intended 30-year lifespan”. Almost like this has taken the government by surprise.
When the PLP came to power these ferries were 10 years old. There has been enough time to plan for maintenance and replacement.
PLP have been spending the money and borrowed money on lining their pockets and on vanity projects instead of maintains the services to the public. If you use public transport and vote PLP, shame on you. You directly caused this.
So true
I don’t understand how we have the so much corporate and personal wealth based here, and the highest cost of living in the world, but cannot find money to maintain transport services for our people. It is particularly galling considering the restrictions on driving, the spotty bus service, and the fact that we all would like to keep Bermuda as clean as possible. Other places based around water transport (Norway, Washington State, Venice) seem to do just fine, but Bermuda hasn’t figured it out in 416 years.
It’s because the government absolutely sucks. Everything is mismanaged, despite the $1 billion + in taxes they collect every year.
Those taxes pay interest on our nearly $4 BILLION in current account debt.
“Other places based around water transport … seem to do just fine, but Bermuda hasn’t figured it out in 416 years.”
That is unfair. Bermuda used to have a reliable ferry and bus service.
Why would corporations and wealthy people pay for what the government is supposed to maintain? Corporations and the rich already pay taxes, along with everyone else.
Lol you really think they care about us? Heck no they just filling there pockets along with the corporate people . Wake up