yelled and snapped at passengers.

The driver has been interviewed by PTB bosses, but director Herman Basden said he did not want to comment further until the matter had been concluded.

Southampton resident Cheryl Kerr told The Royal Gazette that she had been on the number eight bus to Barnes Corner earlier this month when she noticed the driver had a poor attitude to passengers, particularly tourists.

She said: "Two children were shouted at when it wasn't necessary -- even though they were talking amongst themselves above normal level.

"They were accompanied by three adults and could have easily been spoken to in a civil manner.

"The second incident involved a senior tourist couple who asked the driver about the location of their stop. In response, and with a very nasty attitude, he yelled at them to sit down.

"He then proceeded to pull off with the couple still standing, almost causing the gentleman to fall into his seat, all the while mumbling and fussing to himself.

"At this time the gentleman apologised to the driver, stating that he had thought maybe he had forgotten them. After which the driver mumbled something about not having as much brain as them.'' She continued: "As I disembarked I thanked the driver for his service and then mentioned in a very gentle tone that he must have had a very hard day, however everyone would appreciate a little kindness and patience when being spoken to.'' "In response he immediately told me in a very loud voice and angry tone that I had better get off the bus and to mind my own business and that I had better not get involved in his affairs,'' Ms Kerr said.

"I then reminded him that as a Bermudian tax paying passenger I was already involved.

"He once again told me that I had better get off his bus.

"I have been riding the bus regularly now for approximately eight years.

However, I am becoming increasingly tired of the few bus drivers who, because of their terrible attitude and lack of patience, are giving Bermuda and its transportation system a bad name.'' Mr. Basden said complaints had fallen since the late 1980s and were now running at an average of around six a month.

He said: "It used to be very bad, but we started sending drivers on the ambassador scheme to teach them how to deal with customers.'' Mr. Basden said he would find out what the accused driver had to say and would schedule a meeting with both the driver and the complaining passenger if their accounts varied wildly.

But Mr. Basden refused to say what the possible sanctions would be if the complaint was upheld.

"I don't want to say,'' he said. "That would be just adding fuel to the fire at this stage.''