Union boss Derrick Burgess was meeting drivers last night to make a final decision before breaking the news to senior transport officials later today.

But the drivers have won assurances from Police that officers will ride buses on Saturday to help keep the peace.

Police operations could also be boosted on Friday in a bid to clamp down on after-school egg-throwing and bus vandalism the night before Hallowe'en.

It is understood services may not be disrupted at all on Friday.

Bermuda Industrial Union President Mr. Burgess would not reveal the drivers' proposals last night. He said: "I cannot comment until I have met with them and all the various options have been discussed.'' But a source close to the drivers said: "It's more than likely they will agree to stay on duty until 7 p.m.

"They've had a good response from the Police, with officers riding the buses on Saturday.

"Operations are also due to be more intensive on Friday so disruption ought to be kept to a minimum.'' He said the drivers were heartened when the Public Transportation Board allowed them to decide when Hallowe'en services should stop.

They are also more likely to respond after CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute students formed a coalition yesterday to stop Hallowe'en violence.

PTB Assistant Director Dan Simmons said the Board was still waiting for an official announcement from the drivers.

But the Board had already pushed them to keep October 31 services running until 6.15.

And Mr. Simmons last night threw his support behind the anti-violence campaign mounted by the two schools' students.

CedarBridge's student government contacted counterparts at Berkeley to urge parents, teachers and pupils to keep the peace on Friday and Saturday.

They have called for parents to pool cars, teachers to ride on buses and parents and teachers to monitor the morning and evening school services.

CedarBridge student government representative Jamion Simmons revealed the campaign was launched after pupils voiced fears there could be no bus services for them on Friday.

Student government Acting President Jonakia Bean added: "We were getting a bad image through media publicity about the egg-throwing incidents.

"That's why we wanted to come together to do something about it.'' And Berkeley head girl Latanya Parsley said: "The aim of the project was to ensure both schools could find solutions to the problem.

"We want teachers on the buses along with parents -- and students to be more responsible and recognise the dangers.'' Photo Ras Mykkal DRIVE AGAINST VANDALISM -- Berkeley Institute head girl Latanya Parsley (centre) announces the joint school anti-violence campaign with CedarBridge student government representatives Jamion Simmons (left) and Jonakia Bean (right).

CRIME CRM