Transportation in Bermuda may be on the cusp of a much-needed transformation. In a recent interview with TNN’s Trevor Lindsay, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport the Hon. Owen Darrell revealed that new legislation aimed at modernizing the island’s transportation infrastructure is set to be tabled in the near future — legislation he says will complement, not compete with, the taxi industry.
“I don’t want to use the word ride-share” Minister Darrell said, “but legislation is coming down the pipeline to increase transportation in many ways.”
According to the Minister, the legislation will open the door to alternative transport options, but with one key condition: taxis will always have first priority. The initiative is in direct response to long-standing concerns voiced by both locals and visitors about limited transportation availability, particularly during peak hours, holidays, and late nights.
“Calls for transportation will go through one of Bermuda’s four dispatch companies,” Darrell explained. “Taxi drivers will get the first right of refusal. Only if a taxi doesn’t accept the job or none are available will the system dispatch a private vehicle.”
The Minister was careful to emphasize that the intent is not to undermine taxi operators, but rather support them and fill the gaps. “We’ve heard the stories—locals trying to get home from dinner, tourists stranded on Front Street, even memories I have of leaving the Oasis nightclub and having no options to get home safely. That can’t continue.”
•Addressing Pushback and Public Need
Asked about potential pushback from the taxi industry, Minister Darrell confirmed that he’s met with the Taxi Drivers Association twice since taking office. “They knew this legislation was being considered, and we were transparent about it. Their feedback has helped shape our approach. This legislation is about solving an issue that has existed across successive governments, and one that affects every Bermudian and visitor alike.”
He also noted that public safety and user experience were major drivers of the policy. According to recent surveys conducted by the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Bermuda Hotel Association, transportation is the number one negative experience cited by tourists visiting the island.
“Fixing this issue isn’t just about convenience—it’s about modernizing our infrastructure and improving the Bermuda experience.”
•Innovation in Public Transport: The Shorelink App
In addition to the upcoming legislation, Minister Darrell expressed pride in recent advances in the public transport system, including the rollout of the Shorelink app, which now allows passengers to track buses in real-time, purchase bus passes, and plan their routes more efficiently.
“You would not believe the feedback we’ve had. People are sending screenshots, saying, ‘Wow, I can see the bus coming from St. George’s!’ That’s the kind of modernization we need.”
The app went live officially on August 5, and according to the Minister, it’s already being embraced by the public. “It ties in perfectly with our push to improve all aspects of transport on the island. People should be able to spend their time exploring Bermuda—not waiting.”
•What’s Next?
While no specific date was given, the legislation is expected to be brought to Parliament in the near future. Minister Darrell was clear that opportunity will also be extended to entrepreneurs and students, offering a flexible model that could create additional job opportunities—without removing work from taxi operators.
“We owe it to our people, and we owe it to our visitors,” he said. “And just as importantly, we want to create a system that benefits everyone without leaving anyone behind.”
As for a possible real-time taxi tracking app in the future? The Minister left that open as a “business opportunity” for local innovators, while reaffirming the government’s role in creating policy that supports both growth and respect for existing industries.
Bottom line: The government is promising a balanced, forward-looking approach to solving Bermuda’s long-standing transportation woes. With better access, smarter systems, and an emphasis on safety and consistency, change is finally coming—on four wheels, and right on time.
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