A combination of miscommunication and “misinformation” left cruise ship passengers stranded in Dockyard despite a new shuttle service offering beach transport to visitors.

West End Development Corporation (Wedco) general manager Andrew Dias confirmed yesterday that an unspecified number of visitors appeared to have been kept in the dark about the new arrangement, in which private shuttles this week took over the beach service from public transport vehicles.

“The minibuses have a 200 to 300 seat capacity, but they have been sitting empty in some cases,” Mr Dias said. “There’s more than enough lift out of Dockyard ­— the challenge that has arisen is that for whatever reason, some of the tourists continue to use the bus service and have ended up sitting there waiting at the side of the road.”

Passenger delays occurred despite signs in place, and notices sent to the cruise ships. Mr Dias added that “certain people have given information that may not have assisted the process to go as smoothly as possible”, although he declined to identify who.

The deal struck between Wedco and the Mini-Bus Association allows visitors to take a $16 round-trip shuttle to both Horseshoe Bay and Church Bay. Previously, public transport buses had been provided. Mr Dias said the transport deal would benefit entrepreneurs and taxi drivers, as well as taking pressure off public transport.

“If there are ten or 15 minibuses doing the shuttle work, that means more work for the taxi drivers — so once this service is fully in place it should work to everyone’s benefit,” he said.