“Decisive” action will be taken by the Government to address concerns about transportation raised by people with disabilities, the transport minister insisted.

Owen Darrell said he recently had talks on the issue with Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors.

He added that the two will announce plans related to transportation that will better cater for people with different abilities.

“There have been some decisive steps that have been taken previously,” he said.

They included permits for minibuses with wheelchair access.

However, he said, the measure may not have produced the results that the Government had hoped for.

Mr Darrell added: “We are aware of it [the issue]. We are having discussions to make some decisive action to improve the services of transportation on this island, especially when it comes to those with disabilities.”

His comments came after the Human Rights Commission said the island’s public transport sector did not cater for the needs of people with disabilities.

In its 2024 Disability Inclusion Report, the HRC wrote that transportation was a major theme throughout the discussions it had with participants in a survey last June.

It said: “Despite the duty-free import of accessible taxis, these vehicles are often not serving the individuals they are intended to support.

“Participants also underscored that public transportation services provided by the Government are largely ineffective for persons with disabilities, citing issues such as lack of funding, limited accessibility, inconsistent service and a lack of disability-informed planning.”

It was also noted that the public transport bus fleet does not provide for wheelchair access.

Mr Darrell acknowledged the importance of the issue.

He said: “We know that this is an important matter and it is not something that we are going to put on a shelf.

“We are going to move it very quickly, even with some other initiatives.”

In its report, the HRC said accessible, reliable transportation was not only a matter of convenience but rather “a lifeline for individuals who require access to education, employment, healthcare, recreation and community life”.

It added: “Without reliable, cost-effective transportation options, people with disabilities are further isolated and excluded from full participation in society.”

The rights body said there were numerous effective models from other jurisdictions that demonstrated how transportation systems can be made inclusive, such as simplified taxi access for people who are visually impaired or dedicated accessible transit services.

It said such solutions can be adapted to Bermuda’s context to ensure that the island’s transportation infrastructure is responsive, reliable and truly inclusive for all.