Premier Ewart Brown today said he was growing increasingly concerned about disruptions to the Island's public transport and called on bus operators to take a 'more mature' approach to their work.

He was speaking after the bus service ground to halt after impromptu industrial action took the vehicles off the roads this morning.

Dr Brown said: "I am not yet fully briefed on the details surrounding the current situation; however, I am growing increasingly concerned about frequent and unnecessary disruption of public transport.

"Just recently I was informed at least one bus operator is suspected of hiding ignition keys for the midi-buses in St. David’s, thereby putting them out of service. I am calling on bus operators and every other public service worker in Bermuda to take a more mature and professional approach to their work which too often is negatively affecting the lives of everyday Bermudians.

"The numerous upstanding members of the public service sector should not sit quietly as their glowing reputations are tarnished irreversibly by the actions of a few.

"Let’s start coming to work to work for the people of Bermuda."

Bus operators walked out at about 9.45am today, and the Department of Public Transportation said it was seeking more details from union representatives about the action.

At about 12.50pm, a DPT statement said that the bus services on all commuter routes had resumed. It added: "The DPT takes this opportunity to thank the public for their patience during the service interruption."

* See tomorrow's Royal Gazette for the full story, with reaction from stranded tourists.