Those people looking forward to a free ride on public transport had their hopes dashed by yesterday's Budget.

Despite a pre-General Election promise to provide free bus and ferry transport during the Progressive Labour Party's next term, no such announcement was made in Finance Minister Paula Cox's Budget.

"We recognised that there was a need to improve on our public services," said Ms Cox.

"That is what people voted for on December 18, 2007. They wanted to see their needs attended to even more directly.

"This we intend to do — free day care for children under four years for families whose circumstances require it, free bus and ferry fares for Bermudians on a phased basis, FutureCare — as part of a raft of initiatives to help citizens and to promote sustainable practices."

Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown followed up at the post-Budget press conference, saying: "We are committed to preparing the public transportation service for the future demands that a free service will create."

The Premier pointed to planned infrastructure development, including increased parking at Rockaway, expansion of the Hamilton Depot dock to accommodate three ferries, and an additional ferry berth at Hamilton Terminal.

He said smaller connector buses would also be introduced to expand services into more remote locations which cannot be serviced by larger vehicles.

Poverty campaigner Sheelagh Cooper, who had called for free transport to feature in the Budget, reacted last night: "I'm not really surprised. They will have to think that one through before they jump into it."

Mrs. Cooper said people would not forget the pledge, adding: "They have to deliver on the promises because they have been in for two terms now and done absolutely nothing for the underprivileged."

Before the election, the PLP said making public transport affordable would encourage travellers not to congest the roads with private vehicles. Government makes about $10 million annually from bus and ferry fares.

Also on transport, Ms Cox said during her Budget statement that the Aircraft and Registration System would be automated, with the Department of Civil Aviation operating as an "e-business".