Air visitors to Bermuda have given the Island’s public transportation system the thumbs up, according to a new survey.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority survey revealed that 89 per cent of the air visitors that took the bus were satisfied with the service.

Visitors were asked to rate their experience on a scale of one to 10, with the average score being 8.5

Meanwhile 97 per cent of the air visitors who used the ferry were happy with their experience giving a score of 7 or higher. The average score was 9.3 out of 10.

The BTA presented the findings of the survey to unionised public transport workers today and thanked them for their efforts.

“Public transportation is a very important link in the tourism value chain because it touches more than half of all air visitors,” said BTA CEO Bill Hanbury.

“On behalf of the Tourism Authority, and especially during Hospitality Month, we want to congratulate the men and women who work in the public transport sector for the role they’re playing in creating a positive visitor experience.

“Friendly bus and ferry operators who are good at their jobs are true assets to the Bermuda tourism economy.”

BIU president Chris Furbert said union leadership is “basically pleased with the results of the survey”.

Mr Furbert added: “As president of the BIU, I personally take the time to meet and talk with all of our members, in particular our members who deal with the public, and stress to them the importance of providing optimum service to the public.

“I believe that all of our members are aware of the importance of tourism to our economy.”

This spring the BTA will use the visitor exit survey to poll cruise visitors on their satisfaction with public and private transportation options including bus, ferry, taxi and mini bus services.