The bill for four new buses exceeded $1 million, the Minister of Transport and Regulatory Affairs said yesterday.

Walter Roban said that the buses, the first of which arrived in Bermuda last month, cost $1,004,515.

Mr Roban said shipping and duty were additional.

The information came in a written response to questions from Leah Scott, the Opposition spokeswoman for tourism and transport.

Ms Scott also asked when the Department of Public Transportation bus schedule would be put to arbitration.

Mr Roban said: “There is no labour dispute with the Bermuda Industrial Union which would result in the bus schedule being put to arbitration at this time.”

A government spokesman said last month that the additional three buses were expected “within the next four months”.

David Burt, the Premier, pledged $3 million to help bolster the island’s battered bus fleet in the Budget Statement last month.

Mr Burt said the $3 million would be used to purchase eight new buses.