In the Fall, Gov’t digital fare project will also introduce contactless credit card payment
No more guessing if or when the bus is coming… we’ll be able to see directly on our phones.
Owen Darrell, the Minister over Transport, told the House that Phase 2 of the Shorelink Digital Fare Media Project will provide Real-Time Information on bus and ferry locations…
“This will allow Bermudians and visitors to track the precise location of their buses and ferries and plan their journeys with ease and confidence”, the Minister said.
“I am pleased to inform this House that Real-Time Information application is set to launch Tuesday 5th August 2025.”
The Shorelink app launched last July, enabling public transport users to purchase fares directly from their phones.
Minister Darrell said that, as of 20 April 2025, the Digital Fare Media project has 16,851 users, and total sales of $579,343.
Phase 3 of the Project, set to launch in November, will introduce card payment on public transport.
The Minister continued, “…all ferries and buses will be outfitted with validators, allowing passengers to pay directly by tapping their debit or credit card to purchase or pay for a fare.”
“This seamless option rounds out our offering and provides the most convenient way for passengers to complete their transactions.”
Bermuda is far behind larger jurisdictions in Europe that introduced contactless credit card payment on public transport in the early 2010’s.
We are closer behind some Caribbean nations like the Dominican Republic, which piloted its own scheme in 2020.
“As we progress with these changes”, Minister Darrell said, “we are also aligning ourselves with the global trend of embracing technology to solve everyday challenges.”
