Victoria Pearman, the Ombudsman for Bermuda, voiced “significant concerns” on the communication of school bus services to the public last night.

Her remarks came as the Department of Public Transportation announced that the autumn bus schedule would be posted on Sunday, the day before schools open.

Ms Pearman said she was aware of bus availability issues, and the interim arrangements in which school services had been given priority.

She said it was “important that full and accurate information be provided” by the DPT, and given the widest possible distribution, including to parent-teacher associations.

Ms Pearman called for details to be included such as the timespan of the interim arrangements, and a contact for questions to be directed.

She advised the public to check media outlets for further information.

According to a DPT spokeswoman, the schedule was being completed, with the final version posted on the Government website on Sunday.

The schedule would combine with the public bus timetable to ensure that “all schools are serviced”, with CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute to have “dedicated buses at the end of each school day”.

Jonelle Christopher, the assistant director of operations at DPT, would work with schools and the Ministry of Education “to ensure that open lines of communication are established”.

She added: “The ministry will continue to provide daily updates on the status of buses via the Government portal and the media.

“The DPT is making steady progress with repairs to the existing bus fleet, and is working with the Ministry of Transport and Regulatory Affairs to secure needed investments to

sustain the fleet into the coming years.”

•Questions on school bus services should be directed 292-3851 or info@dpt.bm