Fears have been raised about the ability of buses and ferries to service people during the America’s Cup, according to the minutes from a series of stakeholder meetings.

They detail concerns and suggestions from a number of public and private bodies about the draft master plan of next year’s event.

The minutes of a meeting on December 14, 2015, state that the Department of Public Transport was being challenged by a lack of buses and operators.

“Despite the current hiring freeze, the DPT has requested permission to recruit new operators,” the minutes stated.

“They have been advised to identify requirements specific to AC35 as that will be treated as new money and not subject to current budget limits. To do this they need specifics on demand projections and service-level requirements to meet the demands of the event.

“In general, the budget for public transportation is extremely challenged and will not allow for the typical summer services of providing sightseeing buses and extra buses to supplement the scheduled service. There is inadequate funding to provide these staples in 2016.

“The vehicular traffic plan for Dockyard seeks to maintain normal access but eliminate any additional vehicular traffic. The primary lift for passengers to Dockyard will be by ferry and then by bus. This model is contingent on additional resources being made available.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Marine and Ports reported that it was working to bring the Millenium back to Bermuda in 2017, stating that there was “insufficient capacity” for the America’s Cup.

“Securing additional ferries is challenging during the summer — their high-use period is also the high-use period in North America and the Caribbean.

“Conflicts between ferry use and the racecourse will exist and compromise service under some wind conditions — further information is required so routing and schedules can be planned.

“The current plan calls for the same ferry service to Dockyard and the event village. It is estimated the proposed ferry landing will add 15 minutes to Dockyard. Races may delay lift into and out of Dockyard for cruise ship passengers.”

However, the department did say that it would be feasible to use existing harbour ferries to shuttle visitors between the event village and Boaz Island.

The Department of Conservation Services reiterated concerns about the safety of seagrass and soft coral in the area, stating they would not support development south of the breakwater.

Their concerns were echoed by the Bermuda National Trust, which questioned access to the area by local boaters and tour boats and suggested historic buildings could be renovated to create extra beds in Dockyard and leave a lasting benefit.