Bus drivers boycotting the Front Street ferry stop could be set for a confrontation with Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) heads, The Royal Gazette has learned.

On Friday they voted not to accept traffic changes aimed at easing safety concerns but one source close to the dispute said the BIU heads had wanted drivers to accept the deal.

The source said it was baffling the issue was still dragging on well over a year after the stop was set up to integrate bus and ferry services.

"It appears the union hierarchy, the Police, the Fire Service are of one accord. They have conducted a detailed examination of this issue. It's a shame people would be so unreasonable."

The Transport Ministry was staying tight-lipped yesterday. A spokesman said Minister Dr. Ewart Brown understood the matter was being discussed within the union and was not prepared to comment at this stage.

BIU leader Derrick Burgess is currently off the Island.

BIU vice president Chris Furbert said he would not comment on the matter until Mr. Burgess was back.

Asked about splits in the union Mr. Furbert said: "I don't know who is telling you all that. If Mr. Burgess didn't give it to you I don't know how you got it."

Government has proposed to make the car park next to the ferry terminal one way in and one way out after drivers feared the current set up could see exiting drivers going into the path of buses stopping there.

But one source claimed some inside the bus drivers union disagreed with the whole concept of integrating bus and ferry transport. He said: "They just don't get it."

The Royal Gazette understands drivers will be meeting tomorrow at 6 p.m to avoid the disruption which occurred on Friday morning when buses were off the road for two hours.