7 November 2007

A world-renown public transportation group has asked the Ministry of Tourism and Transport to lead its prestigious committee on ferry service, allowing other countries to learn from Bermuda's success in this area.

Premier, Dr. the Hon. Ewart F. Brown, who is also the Minister responsible for transport, has announced that Bermuda transportation coordinator Larry Jacobs will fill the role. He will serve as Chairman of the Waterborne Transport Committee, an arm of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

The UITP is the foremost public transportation association in the world, with members from Europe, South America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

In addition to Bermuda the Waterborne Transport Committee includes members from Switzerland, France, Italy, Turkey, Ivory Coast, the United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong, Dubai and other locations.

Premier Brown said: "I am very proud that Bermuda has received recognition from the UITP for the successful development of our ferry service. This was one of the first projects I oversaw when becoming Minister of Transport. I congratulate Larry for being selected as Chair.

"With the committee's representatives from Istanbul, London, Hong Kong, Venice and Stockholm - it's a real compliment for little Bermuda to be selected to lead such an important international committee."

Larry Jacobs said: "Bermuda was selected because of the comprehensive approach we took in planning and developing our high-speed ferry service.

"The international community has observed that we are developing a fast, comfortable and efficient ferry system that is a true alternative to the private car. In addition to Chairing the Committee I will also serve on the UITP Policy Board, consisting of 65 professionals from around the world."

Since the development of the fast ferry concept in 2001, the Bermuda fleet has grown to eleven boats, including six high-speed catamarans which transport hundreds of residents and tourists each day.

Lindsey Barry, who manages the Waterborne Transport committee on behalf of the UITP said: "What Bermuda has accomplished is being recognized by the UITP and other transport operators throughout the world. In particular, the planning process that was followed is of great interest to our members as are the unique operating conditions Bermuda faces due to you locale in the Atlantic."

The Committee meets twice a year and will discuss the possibility of bringing a meeting to Bermuda in the foreseeable future.