to stay there until there are solutions. True, Government has a committee looking into overall transportation needs but that does not mean there will be solutions any time soon. As we see it, Bermuda needs an innovative approach to transporting both locals and visitors about the Island in a comprehensive way at a reasonable price.

In recent days there have been developments which indicate very clearly that the committee's task will not be easy.

First there was what looked like a flat refusal to consider a Somerset-Dockyard ferry at a convenient time later than the current last ferry at 5.20 p.m. That ferry timing takes no notice of the very real fact that Hamilton working hours have changed considerably in the last few years.

Ferries are a public service and should meet the public's needs. Right now ferries are scheduled in such a way that one would think Bermuda does not really want to operate a ferry service.

Now we hear that the much improved bus service is being stretched to the limit. The official explanation, which appears to be valid, includes increased taxi fares which are causing people to take the bus and a limited ferry service. Public Transportation Board director Herman Basden is quoted as saying, "The bus system has been left to hold it all together.'' Taxis are so expensive that they are no longer transportation but vehicles to be called on for special occasions. If ferries are not running when people need them then they will take the buses and that has the added minus of increasing traffic on the already chaotic roads.

At the same time the secretary of the Bermuda Taxi Federation is opposing the innovative idea of water taxis and the suggestion of buses giving free tours to visitors. Yet, as we see it, high taxi fares now make anyone think twice about using a taxi and contribute to visitors remaining in their hotels rather than moving about Bermuda and spreading their dollars. That is a serious problem for restaurants and places of entertainment.

Part of the visitors' needs can be met with hotel courtesy buses, from and to the Airport, to the beach and to Hamilton. We all have to agree that visitors who feel confined to their hotels do not enjoy Bermuda. This is not a resort with "a strip'' where people can walk from one place to another. Some of our major hotels are, in fact, fairly isolated. We have to cope with that fact.

There has to be balanced and convenient transportation to meet local needs and visitor needs. As moving about Bermuda becomes more and more uncomfortable there is a natural increase in pressure and stress on Bermudians and a natural inclination for visitors to stay in their hotels or to stay home because they are uncomfortable in Bermuda.