traffic strategy for the 21st Century, was introduced to the public on Monday.

Anyone who was looking forward to some dynamic suggestions and a fresh approach will have been disappointed. The press conference demonstrated more platitudes and indicated further road widening. Bermuda has been making promises and widening roads ever since the motor car was introduced some 50 years ago -- with the result that the traffic problems have multiplied and the speeding has increased dramatically.

Other than that there was a suggestion on Monday of building bridges and tunnels. No specifics, just bridges and tunnels. There are bridges which need replacing, especially at the East End, but new bridges have generally been rejected as too expensive. In any case, just remember the environmental outcry over replacing Somerset Bridge and imagine the problem magnified by a large new bridge.

Allowing the suggestion of tunnels was certainly not a smart political move on the part of Transport Minister, Erwin Adderly, because the last time tunnels were suggested "all under Bermuda'', by the late PLP shadow minister Leon (Jimmy) Williams, the public had a good laugh. The very idea of tunnelling under Bermuda with its hard rock and seawater problems and the need for entry and exit space makes little sense.

Faster ferries to Southampton is a good idea if parking can be provided, probably at Morgan's Point, but it is certainly not a new idea. The West End Development Company was refused a fast ferry several years ago. An integrated transportation system between taxis, buses and ferries has been suggested by this newspaper for at least ten years.

"The public are concerned about traffic congestion and pollution, about road safety and accidents, about the driving habits displayed by fellow road users and a general consensus becomes clear that `something needs to be done'.

Traffic affects our quality of life and intensifies out stress levels...'' Well, it is good to know that the Ministry of Transport has finally accepted what the public has known for about 25 years. During that time the Ministry, heavily influenced by car dealers and reluctant to upset any sector of the public, quietly repeated, "It's not so bad, it's not so bad'', while adding to the problem by allowing GP cars to multiply. It would have been reassuring on Monday if the Ministry had demonstrated some deeper perceptions.

Then there was the statement that, "The public will convert away from their cars if there's a cost advantage and a convenience advantage.'' Maybe if there is a convenience advantage but every effort has already been made to drive people away from vehicles because of the costs. We have huge taxes on vehicles and some of the most expensive gas in the world and people are not deterred.

Cost? No. Convenience? Maybe.

From what was said on Monday, it was clear that not much thought has gone into transportation. We see this as simply an "election unveiling'' and not a very clever one at that.