Government might be willing to slash or waive the 331/3-percent duty on electronic equipment to help put Bermuda's taxi fleet on the road to computerisation.

"I recognise that this equipment is taxed at 331/3 percent. Once we receive a full package of information on the technology, my ministry will meet with the Minister of Finance to see what we can do to assist,'' Transport Minister Wayne Furbert said yesterday.

The technology involves a central computer system which is hooked up to a mobile screen and a key pad unit in each taxi.

Veteran taxi driver Lloyd Smith this week told The Royal Gazette he wanted to bring the equipment to Bermuda. Several major cities in North America are using the system.

Bermuda's telephone directory would be in the central computer. A caller's phone number would become their code so that every time they called in future, their address, directions, etc. would automatically appear to the dispatcher.

"After that initial call, they will never have to give those details again,'' Mr. Smith explained. "The next time they call all they have to say is where they are going.'' And an alarm system using the Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system in conjunction with the computer could also give cab drivers the means to send distress signals immediately and without having to use the radio, he added.

Mr. Smith wants to bring the technology to Bermuda from Canada but he lacks the funds or an organisational base to make it happen.

The new technology would "piggy back'' on the current radio system and would speed matters up considerably, said Mr. Smith.

The Computer Address Taxi Dispatch System or (CATDS) would cost each driver around $1,500 for the equipment and about $100 per month to remain linked to the main computer.

Right now a cabby rents a radio for around $97 per month but is not compelled by law to do so.

Mr. Furbert said: "I will also have discussions with my cabinet colleagues to see if we can support this ... Government wants to encourage improvements and new technology. It can only be a better system for Bermuda.''