The Directorate of Shipping Services has announced a humanitarian relaxation that will allow up to two two-wheelers, along with attendants, to accompany ambulances or mortuary vans on vehicle ferries operating between Bambooflat and Phoenix Bay. The decision follows repeated requests from residents of Bambooflat and surrounding areas and is intended to ease the difficulties faced by families during medical emergencies and situations involving the transport of mortal remains.
The new provision takes immediate effect and applies during all scheduled ferry trips. It allows a maximum of two two-wheelers to embark the ferry alongside an ambulance carrying a referred patient or a mortuary van transporting a deceased person. Officials stated that the decision was taken after a careful assessment of the challenges encountered by families who often struggle to coordinate transportation during critical and emotionally stressful moments.
The Directorate explained that situations involving medical referrals often require relatives or attendants to travel with the patient for logistical support, medication requirements, or immediate decision-making at hospitals. The absence of accompanying vehicles in such scenarios has long been a concern for residents, especially when ferries are crowded or when alternative transport options are limited. The relaxation aims to bridge this gap by ensuring that essential support reaches patients without delay.
A similar consideration has been extended to families accompanying mortal remains. In bereavement situations, relatives often need to travel alongside the mortuary van to handle formalities or arrange last rites, and logistical challenges at such times can add to the emotional burden. The Directorate stated that the decision is rooted in compassion and in recognition of the sensitivities involved in such cases.
Night operations, however, will continue to follow established protocols. The Directorate clarified that the standby vessel stationed at Bambooflat during night hours will remain strictly reserved for the transport of ambulances carrying referred patients. This measure ensures that emergency medical transfers continue to receive uninterrupted priority during late hours when regular ferry frequency is limited.
The Directorate appealed to the commuting public to respect the arrangement and cooperate with ferry staff to ensure smooth implementation. Officials emphasised that the relaxation is intended solely for emergency and humanitarian cases and should not be misused or interpreted as a general rule for two-wheeler transport during peak hours.
Residents have welcomed the move, noting that it addresses long-standing concerns about emergency mobility between the two locations. The Bambooflat-Phoenix Bay route remains one of the most heavily used ferry corridors, connecting communities that rely extensively on maritime transport for hospital access, schooling, employment, and essential services. Ensuring timely passage for ambulances and facilitating accompanying attendants is expected to improve coordination during emergencies and reduce delays for patients requiring urgent treatment.
The Directorate reiterated its commitment to providing transport services that are sensitive to community needs and responsive to special circumstances. Over the years, the department has worked to improve ferry operations, enhance connectivity, and strengthen emergency transport support across the islands. The current relaxation, officials noted, aligns with these broader goals and reflects the department’s ongoing effort to adapt services to the needs of residents.
By formalising priority measures for ambulances and allowing two-wheelers to accompany them, the Directorate aims to make ferry services more humane, reliable, and supportive of families during the most critical moments. As the new arrangement comes into effect, the Administration expects smoother coordination between ferry staff, emergency teams, and travelling families.
