It will take about two weeks for the island’s newest bus to hit the roads, a government spokesman has said.

He added that the vehicle, which was brought in on the Oleander container ship on Tuesday, was cleared by Customs and handed over to the Department of Public Transportation.

The spokesman said: “It takes about two weeks for a new bus to become fleet-ready through in-house preparations after being cleared by Bermuda Customs and licensed by the Transport Control Department.”

He added that the engine and chassis for the new bus was procured from MAN Truck & Bus Company in Germany.

“It was then built by MOBIpeople, a company located in Coimbra, Portugal.

“The new bus looks similar to the 2014 series but has quality improvements, many of which were through feedback from DPT staff, and some, through recommendations from MAN and MOBI.

“The new buses have room for 39 passengers, up by one on the older models. There is also improved air-conditioning and lighting and a better bell system.

“Other improvements include more access compartments for vehicle maintenance.”

The spokesman said members of the DPT’s technical team travelled to Portugal to inspect and approve the bus.

And he added that the DPT “expects to take possession of three more buses by early May, if not sooner”.