Dedicated school buses and a monorail are among the transportation methods Government should consider if it is serious about tackling traffic congestion, Gary Pitman said on Friday night.

Acting as Shadow Transport Minister, Mr. Pitman took on Government's efforts at addressing traffic issues and spoke on a wide variety of transportation topics.

Mr. Pitman said there was very strong support for school buses among the public and that traffic is much lighter on days when school is not in session.

"Bermuda has too many people trying to get to too many places - often at the same time," he said. "Our traffic issues are similar to those in US cities."

And he asked whether Government had considered a monorail for Bermuda.

"Monorails are quick, quiet and efficient," Mr. Pitman said. "Has it been given any serious consideration?"

Mr. Pitman also highlighted increasing frustration with the parking situation at the Belmont ferry terminal.

Ferry passengers have been parking their cars along Harbour Road, partially blocking traffic and adding to the rush hour traffic congestion.

Mr. Pitman asked when negotiations to allow ferry passengers to use the parking lots at Belmont would be finalised.

"The Harbour Road parking at Belmont is adding to a frustrating rush hour experience," he said. "Congestion is a major problem."

Mr. Pitman also asked whether Government had considered capping the numbers of trucks on the Island or operating the docks early in the morning to reduce congestion.

And, he pointed out that Government plans to introduce seatbelt legislation this year would do little to address the safety of cycle riders.

Mr. Pitman referred to the way some cycle drivers ride as "sinful" and suggested Government consider putting raised "cat eyes" along the centre line in order to limit dangerous overtaking practices.

"Seatbelts will do little to prevent the cases of death on cycles," Mr. Pitman said. And he suggested that the practice of taking toddlers on cycles be out rightly prohibited.

Government should look for a secure toddler's seat and crack down on this dangerous practice, he said.

Moving on to air quality, Mr. Pitman asked whether Government's plan to test vehicles emissions had been privatised.

"Is there a tender out or has the contract already been awarded," he asked.

Mr. Pitman also suggested Bermuda consider turning the airport into a publicly owned entity.

He said it would make the airport financially self-sufficient and more accountable.