The Transport Control Department has vetted 33 out of 41 rideshare permit applications as the window to join the new transport service for the island neared its deadline of 5pm tomorrow.

However, Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, told TheRoyal Gazette he expected that number to grow significantly — with 30 more public service vehicle licence applications awaiting processing.

Mr Darrell explained: “Although it’s 41 rideshare applications now, we anticipate that will be around 71 once all the checks have been done.”

He acknowledged that the application pool had fallen short of his ministry’s goal of 150 requests but said the Government remained on track to have the new vehicles on the road by June 10 to alleviate Bermuda’s demands in peak season.

He said: “We’re not going to get there right away but any improvement as to where we are is good.

“We’ve got 41 applications and we’re looking to have 71 applications soon.

“By the time we put those through, no one can argue that 71 additional vehicles on the road will help to fix the transportation problem.”

Mr Darrell started the programme to offer more options for getting around the island, particularly during peak traffic seasons.

Participants were expected to adhere to professional standards, such as cleanliness and a dress code, on a par with taxis, who would still get priority treatment.

Applicants, on top of being PSV licence holders, must also operate a private car used for personal transportation, or have some other purpose-built vehicle catering to passengers with mobility needs.

Permits holders would not be able to use heavy trucks or community service vehicles.

Mr Darrell suggested some drivers might have been apprehensive to apply because “they didn’t think that we were serious about getting rideshare up and running for this summer”.

He said that although the initial plan was to hold a lottery for rideshare permits if his ministry received more than 150 eligible applications, places would now be offered to the first 150 eligible applications.

While he believed 150 additional drivers would be ideal to properly alleviate demand, Mr Darrell said only time would tell.

He explained: “You can’t identify and you cannot look at the data if you don’t have any data.

“We’re going to put the applications forward, we’re going to get rideshare going and we will monitor.”

Mr Darrell added: “I’ve been assured from the taxi industry that they are going to go out to their individuals and I know taxi drivers are going to step up.

“Taxi drivers have long been ambassadors of this country and I thank them.”

Taxi operators in the past have supported rideshare regulation — although the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association has also criticised the service for being unpredictable and warned it would be difficult to legally protect users in cases of fraud or accidents.

Mr Darrell previously said that complaints could be made to TCD, potentially leading to investigations, suspended or revoked licences, or penalties as large as $10,000.

Today, he stated that traffic enforcement officers would regularly inspect ridesharers.

Mr Darrell added: “If your vehicle is not clean and acceptable, people are not going to choose you.

“Some things like that take care of themselves.”

Mr Darrell was asked about concerns over getting on to the rideshare app in remote areas with limited internet access.

He said: “There’s wi-fi hotspots all over this island — almost full coverage.

“There are service providers in Dockyard and everywhere else that tourists go.”

Mr Darrell said he expected to see more applications because people would see ridesharing as a lucrative opportunity.

He added: “Word gets around very fast as to what the demand is for transportation.

“I think once we get into the thick of our season, people will see that there is massive demand and massive opportunity to be a part of this modernised transportation system.

“All in all, the overall goal for this — and I do not want anyone to miss this — is to modernise and improve the transportation options in this country and I think this will do so.”