Premier Ewart Brown yesterday unveiled plans for a new minibus service and promised to provide a ferry for residents of Boaz Island.

Dr. Brown was speaking at a pre-election press conference at the PLP's Alaska Hall headquarters at which he said his party had kept its promises on transport during its nine years in power.

He said that the first of a series of small minibuses would begin operating next month for those in St. David's.

He said a recent meeting with residents had highlighted the need for an improved bus service from the area.

"We worked with our bus operators to ensure that caring community service was provided in this jewel of Bermuda," he said.

More buses — likely to be about ten in total — will be eventually be brought here to service other remote parts of the Island.

Dr. Brown also told the media that the money to pay for a ferry service for those living at Boaz Island, Somerset, had been factored into the budget for 2008/9.

"We want the residents there to know that we have heard their concerns and that we will be building the transport interface they desire."

He reiterated plans for free public transport and said it could be in place as early as next year.

And he said discussions were ongoing with international business about how to have fewer cars on the road and ease traffic congestion.