problem-plagued bus depot.

The idea has been put forward by a special Cabinet committee probing rowdiness among youngsters at the terminal.

It is believed senior pupils hold the key, rather than more Police patrols.

The Department of Education will now consider the recommendation for prefects to form small supervisory teams.

It has already launched a programme of school visits by Public Transportation Board supervisors.

They have been giving secondary school students lessons in etiquette and good behaviour.

Violence has erupted several times at the Washington Street bus depot, sparking outcry from nearby shopkeepers.

They claim their business is being hit with shoppers being frightened away.

In February three youngsters were arrested after scuffling with Police officers, one female.

There were also flare-ups at the depot in October and December last year.

The problems brought about the special committee, chaired by Minister of Management and Information Services the Hon. Michael Winfield.

The committee met Director of Public Transportation Mr. Herman Basden, Chief Education Officer Mr. Dean Furbert, the school attendance officer, and Police officers.

Discussions were also held with traders in the area around the terminal.

Yesterday Sen. Winfield explained the committee submitted a report to Cabinet, containing several conclusions.

"It was recognised that, ideally, a new bus terminal might alleviate the problem. However the current economic situation precludes consideration of such a proposal.'' Sen. Winfield said the committee was pleased by measures already being taken to curtail the problem.

These included the school attendance officer increasing routine visits to the terminal during the peak period, 3.30-5 p.m., and talks between Parent Teachers Associations and Ministry officials on how to improve behaviour.

In its report the committee strongly suggested the problem was best solved by students.

It was felt that increased Police presence would lead to additional problems.

Said Sen. Winfield: "It was recommended, therefore, that the Department of Education pursue the possibility of utilising school prefects to form a small supervisory team at the bus terminal.

"From all submissions about the disturbances the committee believes that incidents at the bus terminal receive a disproportionate amount of media attention and that by comparison, Bermudian students are extremely well behaved.

"From all the evidence available to it, the committee is convinced that much of the problem is caused, not by students themselves, but by additional youths who congregate in the area.'' Sen. Winfield added: "By involving the Ministry of Transport and education officials, parents and the students themselves, we believe this situation can be dramatically improved.'' Commenting on the report, Mr. Furbert said: "Appropriate behaviour at the bus terminal is everyone's responsibility.''