(Ferry Services Fares) Amendment Regulations 1997.

Marine Services Minister David Dodwell said the legislation pertained to increases for ferry fares which had not increased since 1994.

The new changes he said would be effective on April 1. People over the age of 65 would ride for free and the definition of a child would change from someone under 13 years to between five and 16 years of age.

Shadow Marine Affairs Minister David Allen said that the increases showed that Government was insensitive to the needs of ordinary Bermudians and tourists.

And PLP deputy leader Eugene Cox said that his party had recommended that senior citizens should ride public transport for free way back in 1980.

The draft legislation was then approved.

The House approved the draft regulations entitled The Government Omnibus (fares) Amendment Regulations 1997.

Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said the intent of this piece of legislation was to bring new increases in bus fares starting on April 1.

He pointed out that the bus fares have not increased since 1994 and overall Government intended to impose an overall increase of five per cent.

This meant that while some fares had gone up, others remained unchanged. Mr.

Furbert said that the legislation would also change the definition of a child from under the age of 13 to any person who is between five and 16 which is consistent with the mandatory school attendance period.

His Parliamentary Shadow Dennis Lister meanwhile said the PLP recognised that Government wanted to encourage Bermudians to use public transportation but an increase in fares was inconsistent with this stated aim.

Mr. Lister said the new increases will not encourage people to park their vehicles and ride a bus or ferry.

Moreover Mr. Lister asked whether the increase would also lead to an improvement in the standard of service across the board.

And Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen said that fare increases were one area that pinched ordinary Mr. and Mrs. Bermuda as well as visitors.

But Mr. Furbert replied that Bermuda's bus fares were competitive with all other competing destinations like the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas.

Furthermore he said senior citizens will travel on the buses for free starting in April.

MPs last Friday approved the draft regulations contained in The Government Omnibus Amendment Regulations 1997.

Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said it was a minor piece of legislation which changed the age of a child from under 13 to one between the age of five and 16 years old.

It also would permit senior citizens and those who are physically challenged to ride for free on April 1.

Dennis Lister , Shadow Minister of Transport, said the PLP was supportive of the legislation which was approved.

The Lower House passed the Motor Car Amendment Act 1997 last Friday which increased licensing duties for motor vehicles.

These fees were last increased in 1995 Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said.

He said the fees formed a major source of revenue for Government and while many people will be concerned, if it was not done, other sources would have to be tapped.

However Shadow Transport Minister Dennis Lister said that better and more gradual methods of raising revenue should be looked at such as linking the licence fee to the age of the vehicle.

Mr. Lister asked how long Government intended to increase the fees.

"When will we see the ceiling,'' he asked.

The legislation was then passed.