The search is on to find new bus drivers to fill the gaps of Bermuda’s public transport system.The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) has this week advertised for new bus drivers.Transport Minister Terry Lister previously told this newspaper they were in the process of hiring 15 new bus drivers. Three people are undergoing training and five people are being police-vetted, so it is hoped the new advert will attract seven new recruits.The confirmation that the DPT is hiring was yesterday welcomed and described as “a step in the right direction”. It comes after widespread publicity of locals and tourists expressing their frustration with bus and ferry timetable cuts.The job advert, which appeared in Wednesday’s Bermuda Sun, said DPT was looking for bus operators to “work under the direction of the traffic supervisors and dispatcher inspectors to safely operate the assigned vehicle on a timely basis and within the scope of the allocated work to transport passengers safely to their destinations”.Job requirements include a Bermuda driver’s licence, excellent timekeeping and a practical knowledge of roads and landmarks.It states that bus operators are representative of Bermuda and should have good interpersonal skills, an even-temper and “a sensitivity to others’ needs and the ability to remain calm and professional whilst under pressure”.The job advert also states that previous applicants need not apply and applicants will be subject to drug testing and police background checks.The Royal Gazette has published numerous stories on the disruption to bus services after the Department of Transport had its budget reduced by $1.3 million, down seven percent from last year.This includes timetable cuts and cancellation lists, a staff overtime ban and lengthy waits encountered by cruise ship passengers when they arrived at Dockyard.Shadow Transport Minister Kim Swan said additional bus drivers were much needed, but he added the reason for the job advert “has to be determined”.He said challenges were being faced as the growing number of cruise ship passengers had placed a greater demand on the public transport system, especially in Dockyard.Mr Swan said: “Management decisions have put a strain on the efficient operation of the public buses.“One example was the slashing of nine bus operators from this current year’s budget. The need for the level of bus operators we had last year has not decreased yet. Government put important services at risk by reducing the number of bus operators in this year’s budget by nine.“The Ministry also has to define how many bus operators are dedicated to sightseeing and tours in 2004 it was 15 and the Minister intimated that it has grown to be 26 now.”Mr Lister said in an interview with this newspaper two weeks ago that they were “replacement positions rather than new jobs”, adding that it would not affect the budget allocation.He said: “We’re excited. The initial group of new drivers are nearly ready to get behind the wheel.“If you consider the savings we are making by not paying overtime, we have the money for additional people. We now only pay straight pay as much as we can.”Mr Lister would not comment further on this matter yesterday.