was terrible -- everyone went on strike.

Fortunately, it didn't set the tone for the remaining 25 years of his tenure atop one of Bermuda's most vital services, running the buses. Now, after a distinguished 40-year career, one of the driving forces behind public transportation here is ready to give up the wheel.

During his term as director, Mr. Basden has overseen the introduction of service enhancements and features not usually associated with jurisdictions of 62,000 people; air-conditioned buses that run on 15-minute intervals are rarely associated with similar sized islands.

Mr. Basden's tenure was also highlighted by international recognition, like being offered a job with a Canadian consortium to rebuild Russia's ailing Soviet-era bus system.

Or advising a Caribbean nation how best to implement transportation resources, study at the University of London in Transport Economy and Geography and membership in the Chartered Institute of Transport.

"If you have that, you're on your way.'' Mr. Basden said. The membership means the engineer has a certain calibre of excellence, then the Institute provides more extensive training.

"I have on three occasions been offered jobs to work in the Caribbean Public transport, one offer in a Canadian firm, and working with small buses in the USSR -- after the collapse.'' Amazingly, Mr. Basden turned down all opportunities for employment to concentrate on his career at home.

"After my long stay in England. I don't think I want to work anywhere but home. But I'm particularly proud of being asked.'' Another point of pride has been his quiet mission to structure Bermuda's public transportation to service its diverse clientel, catering to well-heeled visitors, single Bermudian mothers, the elderly and school students -- often at the same time.

Growing up on Friswell's Hill in the early 1950s, Mr. Basden gained first hand experience with single-parent and working families.

"They have been great workers and never let me down. From administration to drivers.'' He also spoke highly of all those who had helped, taught and guided him through his various roles and postings as an engineer and supervisor.

More so when he became director, because he had earned the respect and animosity was out of the norm: "We have had a number of strikes'', he recalls. "But in recent years I'm happy to say we have been able to resolve most of our conflicts without resorting to industrial action.'' He says the approach to industrial peace is having empathy and respect for both sides of the labour/management divide.

Mr. Basden credits a good working relationship with the BIU for initiatives such as drug testing programmes for staff: "Dr. Barbara Ball and myself were the main two who negotiated the drug policy,'' a policy he says instills public confidence in the quality and service of PTB drivers and staff.

And with the addition of modern buses Mr. Basden hints the future looks even more comfortable and greener: "It's just a matter of time before these vehicles run clean.'' Despite a few bumps in the road, all and all it's been a smooth ride these past 25 years, says Mr. Basden.