No Tokens and only One Day Passes to be Sold at Dockyard in 2016

[njhorseman]

I get that. But the point of this entirely dumb, and discriminatory plan, is to get tourists into private transportation. It isn't going to happen because nobody is going to spend that kind of money to go to a cave. They will either still be on the buses and ferries or they won't be at the caves. I suspect the admission money is needed to pay salaries and maintain the caves?

 

Bermuda is not going to have its cake and eat it too.:rolleyes:

 

 

I don't believe for one minute that the sole purpose of the new transportation plan is to push tourists to private transportation. With the exception of someone whose plans consist solely of a trip to Horseshoe Bay, which can be done by mini bus for $14round trip, it will still be cheaper to buy multiple one day transportation passes than take taxis.

 

I view this as a money grab by a cash-strapped government, similar to when they discontinued the sale of ticket books at Dockyard. That didn't divert anyone to taxis, it merely raised the cost of using public transportation by forcing you to buy the higher priced tokens or passes.

 

It boggles my mind that the government of Bermuda would spend millions of dollars to rebuild Heritage Wharf and dredge the shipping channel so that mega-ships like the Breakaway and Anthem of the Seas can dock in Bermuda and then have nothing in place to accommodate the larger number passengers who need transportation when they arrive. Of course it doesn't really boggle my mind...we see the stupidity of our own politicians in the USA on display every day.

[KweezyCruiser]

Any idea of when we'll see the summer ferry schedule? I'm on the Breakaway arriving on 4/27 and was hoping to take the ferry to St. Georges that day (even if I have to get a one day pass).

[Charles4515]

Any idea of when we'll see the summer ferry schedule? I'm on the Breakaway arriving on 4/27 and was hoping to take the ferry to St. Georges that day (even if I have to get a one day pass).

 

 

Should be soon. The West End document said this years schedule should be about the same as last year. I also noticed in the Royal Gazette that this week as there were some ships in Bermuda that they added some extra ferry service. One concern, in the comments in the Royal Gazette someone said they heard the Bermudian, the large 750 passenger ferry, was out of service. It would not be good if it is out of service when the Breakaway and Summit arrive.

[CGinMTL]

If they want people taking the cab, why don't they lower the cost of that.

 

They may have less people on the bus, but those people will stay at the dockyard this year........ and not be back next year.

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Let's keep making some nice and hope that this is corrected soon.

[DrivesLikeMario]

If they want people taking the cab, why don't they lower the cost of that.

 

They may have less people on the bus, but those people will stay at the dockyard this year........ and not be back next year.

.

 

Let's keep making some nice and hope that this is corrected soon.

 

 

I agree. With the high taxi rates, a family of 4 is going to really be forking out a lot of money.

 

I also agree with Ocean Boy's comment above. When I'm in London, I buy an oyster card. When in Paris, the same thing. I don't pay taxes there or vote there, but I spend money when I'm there. Brighton Line's comment makes no sense. :rolleyes:

[Got2Cruise]

I agree. With the high taxi rates, a family of 4 is going to really be forking out a lot of money.

 

 

 

I also agree with Ocean Boy's comment above. When I'm in London, I buy an oyster card. When in Paris, the same thing. I don't pay taxes there or vote there, but I spend money when I'm there. Brighton Line's comment makes no sense. :rolleyes:

 

 

 

The cruisers are used to visiting Caribbean Islands they are not going stop going to Bermuda because they need to take the taxi just like any other island to the beach. Taking a cab to horseshoe with the shuttle is a lot cheaper than any cruiseline's excursion. Same with the $20 a day transportation pass. For $20 you could go to St George, return to ship and then go to Hamilton for Harbor Night.

[CGinMTL]

I get that. But the point of this entirely dumb, and discriminatory plan, is to get tourists into private transportation. It isn't going to happen because nobody is going to spend that kind of money to go to a cave. They will either still be on the buses and ferries or they won't be at the caves. I suspect the admission money is needed to pay salaries and maintain the caves?

 

Bermuda is not going to have its cake and eat it too.:rolleyes:

well said.

[CGinMTL]

travel@bermudatourism.com

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As we read in the article. Tourism board does not agree with new policy.

We can write to them also.

Make some noise

NCL will be there April 27

Anthem May 2

Summit - may 4

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Lets get this policy changed ASAP

[CGinMTL]

info@dpt.bm

[CGinMTL]

Other course of action

 

- Earth day on April 22nd - this action is not very "green".

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lets get this changed before NCL docks on the 27th.

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ps - 2016 ferry schedules and fares are not on line ..... this is a good sign.

[Ocean Boy]

The cruisers are used to visiting Caribbean Islands they are not going stop going to Bermuda because they need to take the taxi just like any other island to the beach. Taking a cab to horseshoe with the shuttle is a lot cheaper than any cruiseline's excursion. Same with the $20 a day transportation pass. For $20 you could go to St George, return to ship and then go to Hamilton for Harbor Night.

 

Wrong. If you learn how to use public transportation you can travel around the Caribbean islands quite inexpensively. On St. Maarten you can take a public van from Phillipsburge to Marigot for $2.00 per person each way. Not every visitor is an uneducated, or ignorant, visitor.

 

We have been to many of the Caribbean islands multiple times. We have done one cruise to Bermuda. Actions like the one they are pulling now do not entice me to book another cruise to Bermuda. And it isn't necessarily about cost but more about their attitude.

[Got2Cruise]

Wrong. If you learn how to use public transportation you can travel around the Caribbean islands quite inexpensively. On St. Maarten you can take a public van from Phillipsburge to Marigot for $2.00 per person each way. Not every visitor is an uneducated, or ignorant, visitor.

 

 

 

We have been to many of the Caribbean islands multiple times. We have done one cruise to Bermuda. Actions like the one they are pulling now do not entice me to book another cruise to Bermuda. And it isn't necessarily about cost but more about their attitude.

 

 

I'm neither uneducated, nor ignorant. I have taken many Caribbean cruises. People used to pay $1.00 each just to ride a van up the hill at Horseshoe Bay. Lol.

[Charles4515]

I'm neither uneducated, nor ignorant. I have taken many Caribbean cruises. People used to pay $1.00 each just to ride a van up the hill at Horseshoe Bay. Lol.

 

 

 

It costs $2 now.

[biker@sea]

I'm neither uneducated, nor ignorant. I have taken many Caribbean cruises. People used to pay $1.00 each just to ride a van up the hill at Horseshoe Bay. Lol.

 

Now it's $1 Downhill.

 

$2 up the hill.

 

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[1025cruise]

I've got to wonder one thing. How many passes were they selling at the Dockyard? Is it possible they made this decision based on the fact that the one day pass was the top seller, so it didn't make sense to stock other types of passes?

 

While I understand the decision is unpopular, one needs to remember, the purpose of the bus system is to get the locals where they need to go due to the fact that there are a very limited number of cars on the island, not necessarily to get tourists to the beach. I sure wouldn't use this as a reason to not visit Bermuda.

[Ocean Boy]

I'm neither uneducated, nor ignorant. I have taken many Caribbean cruises. People used to pay $1.00 each just to ride a van up the hill at Horseshoe Bay. Lol.

 

I was not referring to you as either uneducated or ignorant. And I walked up the hill from Horseshoe Bay.:)

[Charles4515]

I've got to wonder one thing. How many passes were they selling at the Dockyard? Is it possible they made this decision based on the fact that the one day pass was the top seller, so it didn't make sense to stock other types of passes?

 

While I understand the decision is unpopular, one needs to remember, the purpose of the bus system is to get the locals where they need to go due to the fact that there are a very limited number of cars on the island, not necessarily to get tourists to the beach. I sure wouldn't use this as a reason to not visit Bermuda.

 

 

 

I would guess the one day pass was the least popular for ships there 2 or 3 and a half days. Been to Bermuda about 13 times and never bought the one day. Depending on what I was doing I would get the 2 or 3 day pass. Or tokens. Or I would combine taking the taxi with ferry trips for which I would get tokens. What you buy depends on what you plan to see and do. I expect many winged it and bought the 2 or 3 day pass for flexibility and convenience and didn't use it to full value.

 

I would use it as a reason not to go since I don't care for the Dockyard but with the transportation passes it was easy to get to St. George, the beaches and Hamilton. It made it palatable to not having the Hamilton/St. George itineraries.

Edited April 16, 2016 by Charles4515

[Ocean Boy]

I've got to wonder one thing. How many passes were they selling at the Dockyard? Is it possible they made this decision based on the fact that the one day pass was the top seller, so it didn't make sense to stock other types of passes?

 

While I understand the decision is unpopular, one needs to remember, the purpose of the bus system is to get the locals where they need to go due to the fact that there are a very limited number of cars on the island, not necessarily to get tourists to the beach. I sure wouldn't use this as a reason to not visit Bermuda.

 

It isn't as if they had the added expense of printing them up just for the Dock Yard. They are already printing them. How much do you think it costs to have a supply of something that already exists placed at the Dock Yard?

 

If they really want everyone off the buses then maybe they should get rid of the passes altogether. No, I agree with what has been posted before, it is not about getting people off the buses, it is about getting more money out of cruise passengers.

[leaveitallbehind]

I've got to wonder one thing. How many passes were they selling at the Dockyard? Is it possible they made this decision based on the fact that the one day pass was the top seller, so it didn't make sense to stock other types of passes?

 

While I understand the decision is unpopular, one needs to remember, the purpose of the bus system is to get the locals where they need to go due to the fact that there are a very limited number of cars on the island, not necessarily to get tourists to the beach. I sure wouldn't use this as a reason to not visit Bermuda.

 

Our experience was always with two day passes as that fit our touring plans the best, with one day local at the Dockyard. They also were at a better day rate value. With the longer in port time with our upcoming Summit cruise we were planning on a three day pass.

 

The automobile ownership allowance is one car per household and, on a separate note, there are no public rental cars on the island to supplement the transit system and taxis.

Edited April 16, 2016 by leaveitallbehind

[CGinMTL]

•Visitors Information Centers

 

Here you will get only passes and tokens for buses and ferries, but not tickets. There are several such centers located at different places of the island including in the Dockyard, Hamilton and St George. Check out the above link for the exact location of the tourist centers along with contacts.

 

 

 

Update April 2016: Tokens will no longer be available at the dockyard VICs. You can only get one-day pass ($19) at dockyard. However you can continue to pay bus and ferry fares by cash in exact change (coins only)."

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cash fare is $5 / maybe we should all pay in nickels.

Will have to remember to get some at the casino before we arrive.

[DrivesLikeMario]

Letter sent to info@dpt.bm. I encourage others to do the same. Let's let them know how inconvenient their recent changes are for us.

 

CORRECTION: That email doesn't work. It was returned immediately. Anyone have the correct email address?

Edited April 16, 2016 by DrivesLikeMario

[Gershep]

I will send an email if we get the right email address.

[CGinMTL]

I will send an email if we get the right email address.

 

travel@bermudatourism.com

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this one worked. It is the tourism board. ( they are on our side according to the article)

[Got2Cruise]

I would guess the one day pass was the least popular for ships there 2 or 3 and a half days. Been to Bermuda about 13 times and never bought the one day. Depending on what I was doing I would get the 2 or 3 day pass. Or tokens. Or I would combine taking the taxi with ferry trips for which I would get tokens. What you buy depends on what you plan to see and do. I expect many winged it and bought the 2 or 3 day pass for flexibility and convenience and didn't use it to full value.

 

I would use it as a reason not to go since I don't care for the Dockyard but with the transportation passes it was easy to get to St. George, the beaches and Hamilton. It made it palatable to not having the Hamilton/St. George itineraries.

 

 

 

You can't blame Bermuda for the lack of itineraries. Blame the Cruise ship corporations for building the megaships that can't moor at either Hamilton or St George. Blame the pax who wanted more bells and whistles than the smaller, older ships offered. The government of Bermuda decided to raise the fares for whatever reason, they knew very well what the financial outcome would be. Those ships going down from NYC and Boston each summer are usually sold out.

[Charles4515]

You can't blame Bermuda for the lack of itineraries. Blame the Cruise ship corporations for building the megaships that can't moor at either Hamilton or St George. Blame the pax who wanted more bells and whistles than the smaller, older ships offered. The government of Bermuda decided to raise the fares for whatever reason, they knew very well what the financial outcome would be. Those ships going down from NYC and Boston each summer are usually sold out.

 

The fares have not actually been raised. A policy has been put in place that might get more revenue and creates inconvinence. Some depends on what passengers do in Bermuda. Passengers do different things when the are in Bermuda.

 

For example last year on Wednesday, day 1, I took the ferry to St. George and return. In the evening I took the ferry to Hamilton and back on Harbour night. Thursday I went to Horseshoe Beach and back. Friday I went to Horseshoe and back. For day 1 and day 2, I purchased a 2 Day pass for 31.50. Day 3 I took the Horseshoe Bay Shuttle for $16 round trip. If this years policy was in place I would pay $5 cash at the Dockyard, buy 5 tokens in St. George. So my cost would have been 27.50. I would have saved $4 by not getting the pass. I was buying the pass for convenience. If I have to buy one day passes and can't get two day passes I might as well do cash and go ala carte. The new policy will only bring them more revenue if passengers don't wise up. That I can't predict. Maybe only passengers who read Cruise Critic and other social media will wise up. I don't know.

 

I kind of expect the new policy to be reversed shortly because it seems short sighted. We shall see.

Edited April 17, 2016 by Charles4515