Students will get to travel free on buses and ferries from September after new regulations were approved by MPs on Friday.

Premier and Transport Minister Ewart Brown told the House of Assembly that the free passes — to be given to all students on the Island and to Bermudians aged up to 18 studying abroad — was the precursor to free public transport for all. "Promises made are promises kept," he said.

The new regulations mean students will no longer have to pay $45 a term or $135 a year for a bus or ferry pass from September 8.

Dr. Brown said revenue lost from the sale of the passes — $250,000 for buses and $87,500 for ferries — would be more than made up for by a reduction in traffic and the financial savings made by families.

Shadow Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell said the scheme was a welcome one but questioned why of those studying abroad only Bermudians would benefit.

He cited a recent tribunal involving a dentist which determined that excluding non-Bermudians from policies was a violation of their human rights.

"Why is this particular clause in the legislation?" he said. "Why are we excluding children who are resident in Bermuda but not Bermudian but who are contributing to the society but are not going to be able to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity?

"I don't think it's necessary and it certainly begs the question whether or not it is discriminatory."

United Bermuda Party backbencher Trevor Moniz agreed, arguing that it seemed to be "an attempt to curry favour with those who are always nationalistic". "It doesn't seem a measure justified on the basis of public policy," he said.

But Government MPs Glenn Blakeney and Walter Roban were unapologetic. Mr. Blakeney said: "It's always Bermudians that always come first with this Government. I don't see it being a hot-button issue."

Mr. Roban said: "The Government is about Bermuda; Bermudians coming first. Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda and their children should come first."