registering aircraft.

But the higher fares will be sweetened by the news that Government is up-dating the fleet of buses by buying five new vehicles at a cost of $1.5 million.

Finance Minister Eugene Cox said Government intended to help integrate bus and ferry schedules.

This comes on top of the $6 million which will be spent buying two new ferries and the docks to receive them.

Other transport initiatives announced in yesterday's budget are continuing work on the Causeway, the Swing Bridge and Long Bird Bridge, costing $2.29 million.

The Airport operations budget is to fall from $17.2 million last year to $15.2 million in 2000-2001.

Transport Permanent Secretary Herman Tucker said the Cabinet has not finalised how much ferry and bus fares will increase.

But the fare changes, combined with an increase in aircraft registration fees, are expected to raise $1.7 million in additional revenue.