Government has expressed concern industrial action will hamper the start of the tourism season.

The public bus operators' work-to-rule, which began in February, is expected to lead to frustration for tourists this summer.

Larry Jacobs, Transportation Coordinator for the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, said: "Unfortunately, this work-to-rule will have a domino effect, negatively impacting all transportation on the Island.

"The work-to-rule impacts sightseeing, charters and some non-rostered premium services.

"The cruise ship season starts April 10, and the Department of Public Transportation usually provides up to twelve buses for sightseeing service. This service will not operate if the work-to-rule remains in effect.

"Not having a sightseeing bus service will impact the number of cruise visitors wishing to go on sightseeing tours and also hotel visitors and residents wishing to charter buses.

"Tour operators also use taxis for sightseeing tours, but there are not enough taxis to meet the demand. Using additional taxis to provide sightseeing tours for cruise visitors would result in fewer taxis available at hotels, the airport and for residents."

Last night however, Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU) president Chris Furbert said he was confident "the issues can be resolved".

The bus operators are citing safety concerns at the Hamilton terminal as the reason for their industrial action.

The bus drivers have expressed frustration at a series of accidents and near-accidents due to motorists using Washington Street for through traffic.

The action has meant drivers cannot be found to work overtime or fill in for absent colleagues. It has also affected bus maintenance.

Since the work-to-rule began in February, Government has implemented the following measures: Off-duty Police officers monitoring Washington Street and writing tickets;

Transport Control Department traffic officers now include the bus terminal on their patrols;

The Corporation of Hamilton has improved traffic signage;

Parking and delivery zones in Washington Street have been redesigned to improve safety;

Plans are underway for public safety announcements on the terminal public address system;

Dispatchers will be able to use their hand-held radios to make urgent announcements on the public address system;

Weather-covering for the external stairs will improve the pedestrian safety of bus drivers;

Updates will be provided in the media to remind the public Washington Street is not for through traffic.

A Government spokeswoman said: "Ministry of Tourism and Transport officials believe they have suitably addressed the concerns of bus operators and will continue to be committed to resolve this issue as soon as possible."

Mr. Furbert said: "There are some issues left but they (the bus drivers) are close to getting those issues resolved.

"Last week they decided to keep the work-to-rule as they felt if it was lifted, those issues wouldn't be addressed. I am hoping sometime in the next few days the issues can be resolved."