effectively makes the service for tourists -- not area residents -- Shadow Minister for Transport Mr. Walter Lister has claimed.

In a press release issued yesterday, the Sandys South MP said Dockyard residents are already inadequately serviced by public buses, and that they are essentially "placed on a curfew unless they have private transport''.

Calling the plans "short-sighted'', Mr. Lister said Government failed to take into account the concerns of West End residents and Somerset ferry users.

"All these cut-backs are very questionable,'' he said. "We appreciate that the Government has had to trim its sails and that there has been an economic downturn.

"However, we in the Progressive Labour Party cannot help but voice our concern that too often the United Bermuda Party Government policies impact hardest on those who need its help the most.'' Echoing the concerns of West End Development Corporation head Mr. George Smith, who said earlier this week that the cut-backs would hamper further development at Dockyard, Mr. Lister asked that the plan be reconsidered.

"If the UBP Government is sincere about alleviating the road traffic problem then they need to provide real alternatives as a solution,'' Mr. Lister said.

"A good transport system is the key and it needs to be well-coordinated.'' He added that the PLP has advocated the establishment of a mini-bus service in successive platforms, which would provide "a greater, more convenient range of public transport facilities''.

Calling for "a more even-handed approach'' to transportation policies, Mr.

Lister said: "There needs to be a long-term national plan -- not a series of ad-hoc decisions. A PLP Government would see the establishment of a National Planning and Statistics Department charged with developing comprehensive plans for this Island's future.''