Royal Gazette has learned.

But Public Transportation Board director Mr. Herman Basden stressed neither was a bus driver.

"Bus drivers have a clean record,'' he said.

The PTB launched random drugs testing this summer, and carry it out roughly once a month. Some 20 people have been tested so far.

"We have a system that is working and has the problem under control. It has proved extremely successful,'' said Mr. Basden.

"As far as I know we are the only Government department to have such a drugs programme.'' Mr. Basden's comments come in the wake of a plea by Public Safety Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness for widespread drugs testing throughout Bermuda.

He said people whose jobs involve public safety, such as Policemen, firemen and prison officers, should be subject to mandatory testing.

Mr. Edness strongly backed drugs testing in the bus service -- and hailed the programme in place.

"I have complimented the PTB in the past and I take the opportunity to do so again,'' he said.

"I applaud the splendid initiative they have shown, and the example they have set for others.'' Mr. Edness urged politicians to take a lead by putting themselves forward for testing.

"I believe there should be drug programmes throughout Government. I am quite prepared to be an example and submit myself to a test.'' Mr. Edness also backed a call by the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse (CADA), Bermuda Medical Society, and Road Safety Council for drug and alcohol testing of drivers involved in accidents.

Yesterday, Mr. Basden explained the PTB had had a drug programme in place for 20 odd years.

"Under the old system anybody caught under the influence of drugs or alcohol had his service terminated.'' Drug testing at PTB nabs two "We revamped the programme, however, with the help of experts in the field to fit in with current thinking on substance abuse .'' From January 1994, people applying to join the PTB were tested for drugs or alcohol.

And then this summer, a second phase was introduced -- random testing.

Mr. Basden said the names of people forced to undergo such tests were picked out by computer.

"We have a drug committee, of which I am chairman, made up of PTB employees, with representatives of the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Bermuda Public Services Association, and management.

"Names are selected about once a month, and anyone can be picked, including myself.

"About eight or so names are selected and we send down the first four, although it could be more.'' Testing was carried out at a private clinic through urine samples.

"Everything is highly confidential. We never release names of those who might prove positive.

"So far we've only had two failures out of roughly 20 people.'' Mr. Basden said the two who tested positive were put on an Employees' Assistance Programme to help cure their problem.

"That programme varies with the level of drug dependency. One hopes within a month a person will show some results. Our main concern is that the person sticks with the programme,'' he added.

Mr. Basden said the testing at the point of application had also been a success.

"It is a pre-requisite to joining us, and I can tell you some potential bus drivers have been turned away by us because they have failed the test.'' ROAD TO SUCCESS -- PTB drugs testing has proved a success, says director Mr.

Herman Basden.

BUS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TRA