Six minibuses will be used in place of out-of-service buses while CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute students undergo six weeks of exams.

The transport ministry said three minibuses and a special bus supervisor will be at each end of the island every morning during the exam schedule to ensure there is sufficient transportation departing for students, in the event of any possible disruptions.

It comes after months of complaints about bus shortages, with students repeatedly left stranded by cancellations.

Senator Michael Fahy, the transport minister, said in a press release: “It is imperative that school students using public transportation are able to get to class on time. And because of the exam period, it is even more important that students are not inconvenienced by the challenges we have with the bus fleet.”

The agreement came after multiple discussions involving Michael Dunkley, the Premier, the Mr Fahy, the Minister of Education and officials from the two ministries. The Bermuda Minibus Association agreed to make the service available, the press release said.

Students are advised to take the first available bus option, even if the route takes them into Hamilton, as opposed to directly to their school. Priority arrangements are being made at the Hamilton Depot to ensure students get to school on time.

Mr Fahy continued: “Students, parents and the schools have quite justifiably had concerns about this transportation matter.

“The Government is committed to student education and the Department of Education and the Department of Public Transportation have spent considerable time looking at the issue and arriving at this solution.

“Both senior schools are encouraged to use their internal communications system to advise all students of the provision of the minibuses and direct students to make use of whichever vehicle comes to them first.”

The Department of Transport also advised a shipment of parts has just been received to help technicians and mechanics put more vehicles back on the road.