A new trade union has been formally registered with the authorities and the first item on its agenda is to improve relations with the public through better services.

A new union of bus drivers and conductors has been formed and registered and its first task is to wipe out the negative image of the private bus service in the eyes of the public.

Anton Marcus, Joint Secretary, FTZ and General Services Employees Union, speaking to the Island Financial Review said the new union would begin by cleaning up its act.

"Private bus operators provide a poor service and are out of touch with the public. The first thing this new union would do is to draft a Code of Conduct for member bus drivers and conductors because the first thing that needs to be done is to provide a better and friendly service to the public," Marcus said.