Further talks are scheduled today between the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Public Transportation Board in an attempt to resolve the ongoing dispute over the implementation of a new winter bus schedule.

Bus drivers threatened to strike on Monday if Government went ahead with the plan - which includes a reduction in break times between journeys and an increase in night shifts.

Industrial action was averted when the PTB pledged not to enforce the schedule until talks have concluded.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette last night, BIU president Derrick Burgess said he was “optimistic” a settlement would soon be reached.

“A solution could be found relatively quickly, but it will take a willingness to compromise on both sides for this to happen,” he said.

On Monday Mr. Burgess had insisted it was “unrealistic and dangerous” to expect drivers to take breaks of little more than five minutes between journeys given Bermuda's narrow roads and the “heavy burden” they carry in ensuring the public's safety.

However, PTB director Dan Simmons stressed it was incumbent on Government to expand bus services and improve public transport.

Search on for missing teen

Police are appealing for help in locating 18-year old Rashid Trott, who has been missing since New Year's Day.

Rashid was last seen at his grandmother's Crane Lane, Pembroke residence at around 5 p.m. on Saturday.

He is described as brown-skinned, 5'3”tall, of small build weighing 125 pounds, with a close hair cut and facial hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a brown jacket.

Anyone who has any information on the whereabouts of the 18 year old is asked to contact the Juvenile and Domestic Crime Unit on 299-4477.

A quiet New Year for Police

The New Year period was an uneventful one for the Bermuda Police Service this year.

Over the four day weekend six people were arrested for impaired driving and eight incidents of breaking and entering were reported. There were three damage only road traffic collisions and eight road traffic collisions resulting in injury.

“The Bermuda Police Service would like to thank the public for their co-operation,” a Police spokesperson said.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2005.”