Bermuda's traditional stone bus shelters are being replaced with American style plexiglass shelters.

Yesterday, a Government spokesperson confirmed that the “plexiglass prototype” would be replacing the traditional limestone shelters at a handful of locations Island-wide.

“Today the Ministry of Transport advises the public of modifications taking place over the course of the last several weeks to various shelters around the Island,” the spokesperson said.

The shelters are tinted and are made of shatter-proof glass. Government would not confirm where they had come from or how much the new shelters cost. “The Ministry of Transport emphasises that this is part of across the board changes to public transportation.”

Transport Minister Ewart Brown is expected to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks about the new shelters.

Last night East End residents Alan Smith and Carol Stovell told The Royal Gazette it was a shame to see the plexiglass shelters at the Southside bus stop and at the top of Crawl Hill instead of the traditional stone shelters. They said they were concerned that the new shelters were an unnecessary cost and detracted from Bermuda's unique architectural style.

“I can't help but think it is a need for Government to be seen to be doing something,” said Mr. Smith. “No one seems happy with the idea. I'm not one of those people who gets choked up about the past, but there are certain types of architecture which distinguish us from everyone else.”

He said he felt there were several reason for the new shelters, namely to prevent people from relieving themselves and to allow bus drivers to have a better view of people waiting to take the bus. However, Mr. Smith said he doubts the plexiglass-glass shelters will be as sturdy as the stone shelters, many of which managed to withstand Hurricane Fabian last September.

Mrs. Stovell, who is a senior and uses the bus every day, said she felt the shelters were too “Americanised” for Bermuda and were a waste of taxpayer money.

“They are breaking down perfectly good shelters which are uniquely Bermudian to put these American things up,” she said. “I am so conscious now of passing the Bermudian ones, they are so Bermudian, they keep the sun off and they are a good shelter.”