start of an evening bus service to Dockyard.

But there is still no word on whether the evening (6 p.m.) ferry service which was cut on March 1 will be reinstated this summer.

The new weekday-only bus service is the result of discussions between Dockyard Business Associates, which represents merchants at the popular tourist site, and the Public Transportation Board.

In appealing to the public to support the service, the group's acting head Ms Jeanne Pare said the success of the first month was "crucial''.

The PTB only agreed to operate the service on a 30-day trial basis, she said.

It will be axed next month if it is not successful.

Ms Pare said Dockyard businesses believed a night bus service would significantly increase business.

She said restaurants, clubs and the movie theatre would benefit the most.

However, in July, shops will start staying open late on Thursday nights.

Ms Pare, who runs the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard, noted she had received complaints from visitors who had caught the bus to Dockyard for dinner only to find out there was no night bus.

But starting today, a bus will depart Hamilton for Dockyard at 7.25 p.m., 8.25 p.m. and 9.35 p.m.

Buses are scheduled to return to Hamilton at 8.35 p.m., 9.35 p.m. and 10.35 p.m.

The new service is along Route 7 -- via South Shore -- and only runs on weekdays.