The continued uptake of the service has helped inform the Government’s decision to amend ridesharing operating hours to 24 hours a day from 1 November to 31 December 2026
Since the launch of the ridesharing programme on 10 June 2026, ridesharing operators have completed 5,729 trips, with 45 drivers registered on the platform. This early success reflects the programme’s growing contribution to Bermuda’s transportation network and its role in providing additional capacity for residents and visitors.
The continued uptake of the service has helped inform the Government’s decision to amend ridesharing operating hours to 24 hours a day from 1 November to 31 December 2026. The extension will provide greater transportation flexibility during the busy festive season while maintaining Bermuda’s established taxi-first framework.
Currently, the Motor Car (Ridesharing) Regulations 2026 authorises ridesharing services to operate on Mondays through Fridays from 10:00pm until 6:00am and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays at all times between the 1st day of October of each year and the 31st day of March the following year.
The Motor Car (Ridesharing) Amendment Regulations 2026, published on 30 October 2026, provide residents and visitors with additional transportation options during a period traditionally associated with increased tourism activity, corporate and social functions, Christmas celebrations and evening entertainment.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said:
“As Bermuda prepares for the festive season, we want to ensure that residents and visitors have access to safe and reliable transportation, particularly during evenings and periods of increased demand.
“This extension is a practical measure to provide greater flexibility during one of the busiest times of the year. Our commitment to Bermuda’s taxi industry remains unchanged. Taxis continue to receive priority for ride requests, with ridesharing providing an additional option when taxis are unavailable.
“Ultimately, our priority is to ensure that everyone can travel safely and conveniently, whether attending a Christmas function, enjoying an evening out or travelling across the island.”
Under Bermuda’s regulated ridesharing framework, ride requests made through approved dispatching applications are offered to licensed taxi operators first. Only when a request has not been accepted within 60 seconds is it made available to ridesharing operators. This ensures that taxis continue to receive priority, with ridesharing providing additional capacity when needed.
The Government also recognises the importance of road safety during the festive season, particularly given the increased number of social gatherings where alcohol may be consumed. Greater access to transportation options can help encourage responsible decisions and reduce the risks associated with impaired driving.
Individuals interested in participating in the ridesharing programme may apply for a rideshare operator permit until 31 March 2027. Permits issued during this period will be eligible for renewal from 1 April 2027. To reflect the interim permit period, both the permit fee and payroll tax will be prorated through to 31 March 2027. Applicants must hold a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence and can submit their application online at www.transportcontrol.gov.bm .
