A new transportation service launched on April 1 is giving the disabled an easier way to travel the Island.

Keith Simmons and Vincent Minors, working in tandem with the Transport Ministry, are in charge of the service and were introduced yesterday by Transport Minister Ewart Brown.

The two vans run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday to Friday with an evening and weekend service available by appointment only.

?For some time now the members of Bermuda?s disabled community have made me aware of the difficulties they have experienced when trying to travel to various places around the Island,?? said Dr. Brown. ?The Ministry of Transport through the Public Transportation Board are limited in what service and assistance they can provide regarding disabled transportation and there have been ongoing challenges with the taxi industry.?

Fares will be based on zones and a tour service for disabled visitors will also be available at an hourly rate.

Mr. Simmons described the service as a ?first step? in getting transportation for everyone on the Island.

By the end of the year, Mr. Simmons hopes to see more disabled-access transportation systems in place.

?The progress made in the Ministry of Transport does not exclude any sector of this community and through this additional service I expect that the quality of life for our disabled citizens will improve,? said Dr. Brown.