week after years of being denied a licence to offer the service.

Bee Line, which now operates sightseeing and charter taxi services, is expected to complete a deal to buy a fleet of buses for an estimated $450,000 within the next two days.

Bee Line president Mr. Harrison Simons said the papers with Bermuda Aviation Services (BAS), from whom Bee Line is buying the 11 buses, would be signed by tomorrow at the latest. He said he expected the business to start running immediately after the sale is completed.

Bee Line advertised in Friday's Royal Gazette for a general manager, clerk typist, computer operator, and bus drivers.

It is understood that once a change of ownership takes place, Bee Line could file legal action against its only potential competitor, Bermuda Hosts, which, according to one Bee Line official, was unfairly granted a licence by the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board.

Bee Line was granted a license to operate an airport limousine service for up to 200 passengers two weeks ago. Bermuda Hosts, which was established in November last year, has said its licence allows for up to 300 passengers.

Bermuda Hosts director Mr. Wayne L. Furbert has already said his company's licence was fairly and properly given. Mr. Furbert said Bermuda Hosts, which now charters taxis, has ordered buses that should arrive in July. He would not say how many buses are involved.

Mr. Furbert made it clear that Bermuda Hosts has no plans to offer the service for as many as 300 people, and it is understood that just two buses have been ordered.

There has been no limousine service from the airport since last August when BAS shut down its fleet, citing a string of financial losses.

The licensing board had originally refused Bee Line's application, but granted a licence to Bermuda Hosts. It also told BAS to sell its buses to Bermuda Hosts, even though Bee Line had offered substantially more money.

Bee Line and BAS subsequently filed suit, charging among other things that the board's decision had been tainted by the fact board chairman Mr. Ed Bailey was a partner in the law firm whose general manager, Mr. Furbert, was a Bermuda Hosts shareholder.

Chief Justice the Hon. Sir James Astwood subsequently ordered a re-hearing of Bee Line's application. Transport Minister the Hon. Ralph Marshall removed Mr.

Bailey and two other members from the licensing board, citing potential conflict of interest.

Bee Line has operated for 20 years. It has been trying unsuccessfully for years to obtain a limousine licence, but was regularly turned down on the grounds that the Island could not support a second limousine service in addition to BAS.