delighted transport chiefs have revealed.

And the number of bus accidents has slumped by about 35 percent over a similar period.

The decreases are the fruits of an ambitious training scheme involving Public Transportation Board staff.

Bermuda followed Canada's lead by launching an "ambassador programme'' for bus drivers in 1990.

Under it, drivers are taught how to cope with the needs of passengers, including those who are blind, handicapped, or even drunk.

The emphasis throughout is on improving communication skills.

Drivers also learn about handling the constant stress of being responsible for their passengers' safety.

"This is one of the most important parts of the programme,'' said Mr. Larry Jacobs, assistant PTB director.

"The great thing is that drivers are trained by their peers who have already taken the course.'' Training is carried out in a classroom at PTB's headquarters off Palmetto Road in Devonshire.

The first batch of trainees went to Canada to see how things were done there.

Latest statistics reflect the success of the "ambassador programme''.

Before 1990 about one complaint was lodged for every 100,000 miles covered by the buses.

By the end of March, 1992, or the last fiscal year, the number had dropped to 0.4.

Most complaints centre on the rudeness of drivers, or confusion over fares.

Surveys among the PTB's 120 bus drivers underline the worth of the programme.

"Virtually all say they benefited from it,'' said Mr. Jacobs.

PTB director Mr. Herman Basden said accident figures were also very encouraging.

The 35 percent drop from 1989-90 through to the end of March, 1992 marked the increased skills of drivers.

They are taught to be more aware of road conditions -- and some are retrained as drivers, said Mr. Basden.

Training also extends to the Board's mechanics who go as far afield as Belgium to learn about electrics and bodywork.

Said Mr. Basden: "Training is an integral part of everything we do.'' He added PTB management also encouraged their staff to further their academic studies.

Driver Mr. Mitchell Eli, who is off to Harvard in a bid to fulfil a dream of becoming a doctor, recently made the headlines.

"We always try to provide the time for our boys to study,'' explained Mr.

Basden.

"The spirit of PTB is very much to help the workers to improve themselves.'' Mr. Basden said PTB was also anxious to meet the needs of passengers, including tourists.

He highlighted the success of the recently introduced ferry and bus passenger passes.

The three-day and seven-day passes had proved popular with visitors, allowing them unlimited travel around the Island, said Mr. Basden.

"There were complaints that we were not looking after the needs of visitors, who perhaps did not always have the correct change on them for travelling on buses, or wanted to hop off a bus to take a photograph.

"We listened to the complaints, and have now made it much more convenient for visitors.'' Mr. Basden said the PTB had attempted to cater for every category of passenger -- including schoolchildren, the elderly, and visitors.

MR. HERMAN BASDEN -- `Training is an integral part of everything we do.'