The first of four new buses arrived in Bermuda today with a further three expected in the next four months, according to the Ministry of Transport and Regulatory Affairs.

Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Regulatory Affairs, said the arrival of new vehicles, along with an overhaul of the ageing bus fleet, would increase the number of buses in service.

Mr Roban said: “Our Throne Speech agenda for a better and fairer Bermuda means we have to be able to get those who depend on public transportation to work on time.

“We must also ensure our children get to their classrooms and back home without incident.

“The Government believes in a transportation policy that promotes safety and reliability for all Bermuda citizens.

“And a key part of that is ensuring safe and reliable public transportation. In the weeks and months ahead, we anticipate a substantial improvement in the status quo.

“The new buses, including the one that is on Hamilton docks today, are being built to a new standard of specification which we believe will be more suited to the operating conditions in Bermuda.”

A government statement added that “this is only the first step in new strategies that the Government feels will increase vehicle availability and enhance public transportation”.

It came after the ministry announced the cancellation of 47 bus runs this afternoon amid ongoing problems with the fleet.

According to the statement, work has also started to overhaul a number of the island’s buses as part of an overall plan to address the ageing bus fleet.

Mr Roban said: “Considering the situation we inherited, we cannot completely fix the fleet’s shortcomings overnight.

“But the arrival of new buses, and those scheduled for significant repair, will improve our in-service numbers and provide our mechanics with a little more breathing room to keep more of the fleet operational.”

Barry Brewer, president and CEO Bermuda Container Line, operators of the Oleander, confirmed that the bus arrived on-board the container ship today.