American Thomas Saliunas wants a written apology from PTB officials after one of its supervisors became "aggressive'' toward him. And yesterday the Board's director said he would get one -- but he would have to stand in line. Mr.

Saliunas said the incident began after he was barred from boarding a `not-quite-full' bus at Hamilton Bus Terminal after the May 25 Bermuda Day holiday. Mr. Saliunas said that while another man was allowed on the 7.45 p.m.

St. George's bus, a supervisor waved the bus on its journey before he could get on. "I asked why he did that but he walked away,'' he said. "I asked for his name or a supervisor's name. He ignored me and continued to walk away.'' The American, who is a recent arrival to Bermuda, said after pressing the man further, the bus supervisor became "aggressive''. "He began pointing his finger into my face,'' Mr. Saliunas continued. "His threats followed, `You better get out of my face', continuing to point a finger in my face.'' Mr.

Saliunas said the incident was witnessed by two other PTB employees who only told the other man to "bite his tongue''. The next day Saliunas said he was told by another supervisor that he should provide a written complaint about the incident. Saliunas added the man suggested there was a cultural difference and he would have to "adapt to the Bermudian way''. "I was told I was rude for asking for his name or supervisor,'' he said, "and that Bermudians just brush off that sort of thing.'' Mr. Saliunas added the supervisor told him that he would not get a written apology. Mr. Saliunas said shortly after, he was called by PTB director Herman Baisden, who invited him to meet with him.

Mr. Saliunas said Mr. Baisden told him the two stories were "substantially the same''. "My understanding was the driver was reprimanded but the bottom line is that I get a written apology,'' he added. Yesterday Mr. Baisden praised Mr. Saliunas for approaching the Board, rather than the media first.

"That's the way we would like the public to make complaints,'' he said. "We have quite a few things going on right now at the Board. He will get a written response as soon as we can get to it.'' Mr. Saliunas added he only called The Royal Gazette because he was promised a further explanation on Monday, June 1, but had not received a phone call by yesterday.

He added he continued to ride the bus and had dealings with "many'' friendly bus drivers and Bermudians in general.

Mr. Saliunas said he did not want it to be made into a bigger issue than it was, but he was shocked that he had not been contacted all week.

"The same way I was made to make a written complaint,'' he continued, "the driver should do the same.'' "Every time you write something down the impact is going to be greater,'' he said.