Expanding the number of outlets where bus tokens and tickets are sold, and introducing designated seating for seniors are some of the ways to improve Bermuda's bus service, according to MP Jamahl Simmons.

Mr. Simmons spoke after Transport Minister Ewart Brown introduced a number of new amendments to the Government fare regulations in the House on Friday. Under the new regulations children and adults can ride together on a new four day pass, and seniors and children under five still ride the buses free of charge.

Transport Minister Ewart Brown introduced the proposed fare increases with a statement that "Bermuda's commuters have been paying the same service fares as they were four years ago". April 1 will be the first increases since 2000. Mr. Simmons complimented Dr. Brown for getting a grip on public transport, but added that the Island faces more traffic jams and longer rush hours and must provide more incentives for people to use public transport. He also highlighted the death of six-year-old girl Tyaisha Cox, who was run over by a car attempting to overtake a bus, as a need for Government to introduce legislation to ban the overtaking of buses in school zones or at bus stops.

So far there are incentives for many people to use public transport, with students and kids paying $2 per journey, a dollar increase from last year, and $7.50 per book of fifteen tickets, only fifty more cents than what students paid last year.

People can ride up to three bus zones for $3 and up to 14 zones for $4.50 per journey. For any journey up to three zones, a book of 15 tickets will cost $20. Adults purchasing a three day pass will see prices go up from $23 to $28.

Bus passes per month are $55. Quarterly passes are $135, a fifteen dollar rise from last year. Students purchasing passes will pay $17 per month, or $45 per term for a term pass.

Mr. Simmons said Government should identify additional sources for funding, and that under-serviced areas where seniors are residing can be reached with a min-bus or taxi service. He added that an expansion of the fleet and operating hours would accommodate tourists during cruise ship season and help to reduce over-crowding.

Instead of selling tokens and passes at only the bus terminal, hotels, and the general post office, Mr. Simmons said selling them at other outlets would enhance the popularity of public transport and reduce congestion on the roads.

Safety measures he highlighted include pay phones at bus shelters, adequate lighting and shelter, and posting schedules at bus stops whenever possible.

'It's a lack of convenience for people when they can't purchase a pass of tickets or a bus token after 5.30 p.m.," he said. "What if it's 11.30 p.m. at night and someone's had a bit too much to drink. We need to provide some incentives to stop people driving a car and to get on the bus." The new fare schedule will come into effect on April 1.