The Transport Minister, the Hon. Maxwell Burgess, last night urged both sides involved in the bus dispute to reach a speedy solution as talks yesterday failed to resolve the conflict.

Public Transportation Board Director, Mr. Herman Basden, met with members of the Bermuda Industrial Union for talks to halt an overtime ban by drivers and mechanics caused by the sacking of a colleague for allegedly fighting.

The dispute is now six days old and has had a marked effect on the bus fleet, with all buses pulled off the road on Monday, a public holiday, and with other days affected by some cancellations.

On Monday, many taxi drivers also gave up their day off to help fill the gap left by the buses and ferry visitors around the Island.

Yesterday, with a Labour Relations Officer acting as mediator, both sides met for talks aimed at ending the overtime ban.

Mr. Ottiwell Simmons, BIU President, said: "They met all day, but were unable to come to a conclusion and the meeting was adjourned, but it does seem that both sides are trying to resolve the matter.'' Management and the union are due to meet again today and Mr. Simmons said there were no plans to increase the level of action already taken by the mechanics and drivers.

"I am hopeful that they will be able to resolve the matter and an agreement will be reached,'' added Mr. Simmons.

Last night, Mr. Basden said the mediator was trying to get both sides to examine the issues and see if progress could be made towards solving the dispute, however he said he believed little progress had been made.

He said he hoped that "various options' would be considered today when the talks were re-convened. "There are a number of things that the mediator has in mind.'' Mr. Burgess said last night: "The two sides are in mediation and it would be inappropriate to comment much further, however I hope they can find a speedy solution. I hope it can be ended fairly quickly.'' According to Mr. Wendell Tucker, President of the Bermuda Taxi Federation, there has not been a significant up-turn in business because of the bus dispute.

However, he said many taxi drivers had given up a day off on Monday to work, and support the public. "The taxi drivers gave a lot beyond the call of duty.''