Buses were cancelled yesterday as a drivers' overtime ban caused Good Friday grief for would-be passengers.

Public Transport Board boss Dan Simmons said talks aimed at getting drivers to work the bank holiday had proved unsuccessful.

It comes after Government announced it was considering legal action to end the bus dispute, with arbitration meaning an end to the work-to-rule.

Mr. Simmons told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "We were hopeful something could have been resolved but unfortunately it did not work out. I'm not in the office, but I'll probably get a whole box of e-mails complaining."

One bus user who contacted this newspaper said: "I am literally speechless. I wanted to go and fly my kite on South Shore but now I am trapped in Shelly Bay, where the wind is of the wrong type."

Taxis reported a busy day yesterday, but operator Lee Tucker said many were disappointed at the way bus drivers had been treated and were meeting next week to discuss the issue.

On Thursday, Labour Minister David Burch said Government was assessing which of the three possible labour laws it might use.

Sen. Burch told a press conference arbitration would mean "things go back to being normal".

However, Sen. Burch agreed workers did not have to work overtime. Services were also disrupted on Thursday morning after drivers protested against the false rumour that around 15 drivers had been fired. Government said they were sent home on Wednesday night after refusing to take instructions from a boss.

Junior Transport Minister Marc Bean said: "The reasons that I have been given for their refusal to take instruction from a senior DPT official was simply that the manager was not a member of the BIU but a member of another union.

"Quite frankly I am disturbed by this childish and petty behaviour. This is intolerable.

"Let me remind all union members that your union membership affords you representation on all important issues, however your obligation lies with your employer of choice.

"These actions taken by the bus operators inconvenience our children, seniors and visitors to the Island."

He added: "There are genuine issues that occur from time to time between Government and all unions, however we always strive to resolve these issues in good faith.

"This kind of behaviour undermines the trust and good faith for the successful resolution of these important issues."

Mr. Simmons said of Thursday morning's disruption based on the false sacking rumours: "Keys were taken from the West End and East End depots so they couldn't start but they miraculously reappeared after the issue was straightened up."

Services got back to normal at around 9 a.m. that day.

At Thursday's press conference, Premier Ewart Brown said the work to rule began on February 6 over safety concerns at the new bus terminal caused by motorists using it as a short cut.

During the nine weeks since, a number of steps have been taken including off-duty police monitoring the site, TCD officers also paying regular visits and parking zones being changed. More signs will be put in while a system allowing public safety announcements to be made by dispatchers using hand-held radios will be brought in.

"Eighty to 85 percent of the conditions requested by the bus drivers have been met," said Dr. Brown.

"However, at this hour the work-to-rule continues. Therefore today I have asked the Labour Minister to take steps to move to arbitration to get this matter resolved.

"He is taking the necessary legal steps. I am confident this will help resolve this vexing issue. The people are not being served."