The long, steep walk to and from Horseshoe Bay could become a thing of the past thanks to a proposed new bus system.

Problems of safety, as numerous pedestrians weave together with traffic, are also being addressed in the plan submitted by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

The proposal states that buses are currently unable to access the beach parking area, forcing passengers to walk up and down the hill on foot. It also notes that the lower area is prone to flooding from storm surge, heavy rains and the water run-off from the pavement.

The application includes a pedestrian boardwalk, which travels down the hill on the southern side of the access road, raised slightly above ground level.

The boardwalk includes a handrail and a viewing station part way down the hill, along with steps at some of the steeper sections of the hill.

The bottom of the hill, meanwhile, will feature a drop-off area and a shaded pavilion area for those waiting for buses.

While the road will be diverted to what is currently the northern side of the parking lot, parking will be relegated to the southern side.

In total, the proposed parking area will have more car, motorcycle and handicapped spaces and introduce four parking spaces for buses, however the number of taxi and minibus spaces will drop. While the parking area has nine taxi spaces and ten minibus spaces, the renovated parking area would have seven taxi spots and six minibus spaces.

Documents in the application suggest that the project could be ready for public tender this August or September, with work being beginning in October and continuing until April 2016. A press statement by the BTA promised the plan would provide safe and efficient transportation pick up and drop off at the bottom of the hill, safe pedestrian access to the beach, improved lighting and better access for maintenance equipment, waste removal and emergency vehicles.

The plans were constructed collaboratively with input from the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport and the BTA, with the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce contributing to the final plans.

Public Works Minister Craig Cannonier said: “The Premier has cited tourism as a sector poised for growth and this project is an example of how the Public Works Ministry can support Bermuda’s re-emerging tourism industry, while simultaneously improving a recreational hot spot for residents.

“Whether it’s a summer holiday for residents or cruise ship season for visitors, we all know the current transportation infrastructure at Horseshoe Bay is insufficient and at times unsafe. The plan submitted to Planning is designed to address these issues.”

BTA’s Chief Investment Officer Andy Burrows said: “Beaches are a critical asset for our tourism industry, none more so than Horseshoe Bay. We see these improvements as an investment in the future of the country’s tourism product and a tangible step toward improving the experience of anyone who uses the beach — locals and visitors alike.”

Minister of Tourism Shawn Crockwell said: “Horseshoe Bay is famous the world over for its natural beauty. If we are able to match that natural beauty with an improved experience on the beach we can solidify Horseshoe Bay’s prominence on the world stage for future generations of Bermuda tourism.”