A bill has been passed in the House of Assembly making the Public Transportation Board (PTB) a Government department.

Members passed the PTB Amendment Act 2006 on Friday, which strips the board of quango status and moves it into the Civil Service as the Department of Public Transportation.

Transport Minister (PLP)said the bill emerged from a review of Government quangos, Untangling Bermuda?s Quangos. He said the move would increase accountability and allow transport workers ? on the front line of customer service ? ?the benefits of being public servants? regarding salaries and benefits.(UBP)said the Opposition supported the bill. He asked what the financial impact would be of bringing wages and benefits in line with Civil Service rates.

Mr. Simmons asked if the change would lead to greater safeguards against fraud. In response, Dr. Brown said that the PTB Director Dan Simmons had committed to strengthen anti-corruption procedures.