ERROR RG P4 13.8.1996 A story in Thursday's paper incorrectly stated that air conditioning on two of the Public Transportation Board's six new buses broke down on their first day on the road. The two buses had not yet been placed on the roads. PTB is expecting a representative from Suntrak, manufacturers of the air conditioning system, to arrive on the Island this weekend.

The new remodelled buses of the Public Transportation Board can't take the heat.

The Royal Gazette has learned that the air conditioning units on two of the six new buses broke down on their first day on the road.

And PTB director Herman Basden confirmed that one of the windshields of a new bus was pierced after hitting a branch yesterday.

But Mr. Basden stayed cool and attributed the problems to the need for PTB staff to familiarise themselves with the buses.

He stressed that the buses were designed to operate without air-conditioning and yesterday's breakdowns would not hinder them from running on schedule.

"Right now we have a man down from Canada training people to work the air-conditioning and we also have pre-trained Bermudians,'' Mr. Basden said.

He also told The Royal Gazette that an inspector will be arriving on Saturday from the air conditioning manufacturers, Suntrak, to inspect the units, so that "they would be checked in any case.'' Mr. Basden admitted that the PTB were expecting a few problems with the new buses earlier yesterday at a display of a new bus at City Hall.

Transport Minister Wayne Furbert, Mr. Basden and representatives of bus production companies from Canada, the US and Europe were on hand to see the vehicle and celebrate the 50th anniversary of public transportation in Bermuda.

Mr. Furbert pointed out that the new buses were fully equipped with air conditioning, heat provisions for the driver, new features such as hanging supports for people standing and power steering.

He also said he was very happy to allow visitors to travel in cooler conditions and that the buses will also be used for sightseeing and charters.

Mr. Basden noted that Government had spent $5 million on the buses, but that they were "an absolute delight'' and were well worth the investment.

He later confirmed that a total of 24 new buses will be on the Island by October.

"Bermudians are understanding transportation more and more,'' he said.

Sidney Simmons, who drove one of the new buses and has been driving for the PTB for 33 years said: "We've been looking for this for years and now our patience has paid off. I, myself, have been harping on the director for years and now I see the fruit of his hard labour.'' Mr. Simmons also confirmed that the heat on the older buses, especially in the summer, was a huge source of complaint.

"These buses drive comfortably with power steering and I think that visitors will enjoy the cool ride,'' he added.

PTB assistant director Dan Simons later told The Royal Gazette that because of the air conditioners the amount of gas consumption will increase by three percent.

But Mr. Furbert said: "Sometimes you have to spend more for higher quality, and this will encourage more people to ride the bus, lessening traffic congestion and assisting more tourists. After all that, what is gas?''