More than 90 bus drivers have signed a petition demanding greater protection for themselves and passengers from unruly youngsters, particularly during Hallowe'en.

Public Transportation Board director Herman Basden yesterday confirmed to The Royal Gazette that he had received the petition bearing the names of three quarters of some 124 bus drivers.

Conflicts between students travelling to and from school have turned into egg-fights and rock throwing, terrifying passengers and drivers and damaging buses.

Bus drivers -- who are worried that the situation will become worse during the days leading up to the fright night which will be on a Saturday -- have threatened to abandon services unless action is taken.

Police are also expected to beef up patrols, particularly in the so-called trouble spots.

And Mr. Basden said bus incidents had dropped "tremendously in the past week''.

"I think this is because of Police intervention and parents have heard their plea,'' he said. "Some parents are willing to ride the bus and Public Transportation Board officials have visited schools.'' Stressing that contrary to earlier reports bus drivers had not threatened to boycott CedarBridge Academy alone, Mr. Basden said: "It (the petition) talked about middle and senior schools in general.

"The petition is one of safety. They are worried about the safety of themselves and passengers.'' PTB will aim to have a virtually incident-free Hallowe'en as last year, he added.

"Last year we had one of the best years in a long time,'' Mr. Basden said.

"I'm not so optimistic to say we will not have another incident. But there are a number of people in the community who are working quietly to help address the situation.

"I would like to thank the principals who are dealing with the situation despite some parents' opposition.

"It is my understanding that they (principals) have developed some kind of network. It is very much under control and I think Police are doing a very good job. Hopefully, by Hallowe'en everything will be all right.'' Asked whether drivers will work after 5 p.m. on Hallowe'en, Mr. Basden said: "We would look carefully at how these things go and hopefully when we get closer to Hallowe'en drivers will be willing to work.

"Those (drivers) who I have spoken with are pleased to know people have been responding positively. We all have to do our best to help. Drivers should realise there are others willing to put themselves in the line of danger to help.'' Meanwhile Derrick Burgess, president of the Bermuda Industrial Union which represents the drivers, last night said he had not seen the petition.

CRIME CRM