HAMILTON, Bermuda (CMC) — Implementation of a new government bus schedule that took 17 years to iron out with the island’s leading union, and due to go into effect today, has been pushed back for two weeks until January 21, officials announced.

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) said the revised start date “will ensure that all relevant stakeholders and the general public are well informed of the scheduling change”.

The new bus schedule — announced last month by Transport Minister Zane DeSilva — has been designed to cut down on cancellations because of vehicle shortages owing to repeated mechanical breakdowns, which have inconvenienced locals and tourists alike.

President of the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), Chris Furbert said agreement over the new schedule was a “great day”.

Under the new deal, bus drivers have agreed to start shifts 15 minutes earlier than at present.

Attempts to complete the new schedule spanned three government administrations, dating back to 2001.

Media reports said that a foreign consultant who had been hired by a previous Progressive Labour Party Administration, was paid an estimated US$100,000 a year for 17 years to produce rosters for the island’s public buses.

Explaining the two-week delay, DPT Director Roger Todd said “the production and dissemination of information for the public is key to this process and involves multiple entities and vendors.

“With due consideration for the public and the time required to properly communicate the new schedule, we are taking time to ensure this is done effectively.”

DeSilva said the new schedule benefited the public as well as bus operators.

“Most importantly, it can be sustained with our current fleet of buses. I am confident this is the best way to ensure an efficient and reliable service.”