Implementation of the digital fare media system for public transportation has hit several snags, Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, said yesterday.

The automated system was launched this week after a delayed start to bring workers up to speed.

Mr Furbert told the House of Assembly that some of the problems been rectified by technicians.

One included the digital system reverting to its default language, French.

He explained: “The system vendor is a French company, and their system’s default language is French.

“During the quality assurance and user acceptance testing phases, this issue was identified and corrected to ensure the system would operate in the desired language.”

However, Mr Furbert said that in going live, it reverted to French settings.

The right language has since been restored.

Another challenge included seniors failing to selecting the “senior card” option and getting rejected by the system.

Mr Furbert said the call centre “now reviews and corrects these applications in the back office, ensuring seniors receive the correct card”.

Seniors affected were contacted with their applications corrected, or reapplied with the correct selection.

Mr Furbert said feedback since the launch enabled technical teams to troubleshoot and enhance the system.

A second phase of the project, including the launch of a real-time passenger information application, is set for September, with smartphones and other digital devices giving passengers the latest information on their bus or ferry location and estimated time of arrival.

In the third phase, passengers would be able to use credit and debit cards, with digital tickets and passes to be automatically read by validating machines.

Mr Furbert said this move will “further streamline the boarding process, reduce the need for manual ticket checks, and increase the efficiency of our public transportation system”.

Passengers will still be able to use tokens, tickets and passes for public transport for the foreseeable future.

“The Government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as we transition into a more digitalised environment.

“We are dedicated to providing accessible transportation options for all segments of the population, including seniors, individuals with special needs and children.

“This commitment ensures that everyone, regardless of their ability to use digital platforms, will have access to transportation services.”

• Affected users can call the Shorelink App support team on 441-292-3851 or use the contact form atshorelink.bm. Service representatives are available to assist from 8am to 8pm, Monday through Sunday