A taxi boss is disappointed with a poll that revealed just 16 percent of people believe the new GPS system has improved service.

Michael Ray said his customers had commented on speedier response times since Government introduced the controversial requirement for all taxis to be fitted with the devices.

The high-tech satellite navigation systems are designed to track cars in order to send the nearest available vehicle to each job.

They have not found favour with some drivers who have refused to turn their devices on in protest at what they believe to be an expensive and unnecessary move.

A poll by Research.bm in September asked 400 people whether the Island's taxi service had improved since GPS was introduced.

Exactly half said they did not know, with 34 percent saying no, and 16 percent saying yes.

Michael Ray, president of BTA dispatching, said he disagreed with the views.

"I think service has improved although there's still room for improvement," said Mr. Ray, who has called on drivers to embrace the benefits of the new system ? including speedier responses.

"Most of the people I drive say they like the service ? a good 80 percent. I'm a bit disappointed that 34 percent say GPS has not improved the service. I would like to find out if they are regular customers."

He said a key problem was people calling all three dispatching firms and then hopping in the first cab that turns up ? leaving frustrated drivers inclined to avoid those customers in future.

But Leader of the Opposition Wayne Furbert slammed GPS as "a failure of the Government's management skills" blaming Premier Ewart Brown, who introduced it in his capacity as Minister for Transport.

"Dr. Brown, as the man in charge, has to shoulder the blame for a system that is clearly not performing as billed.

"It stems from his failure to persuade drivers and to win the trust of the industry.

"And then he made the mistake of thinking that simply imposing the system was mission accomplished.

"What he needed to do was to stay on the case and work with the industry to see the job through to the end. But he took his eye off the ball," he said.

"We would like to see this situation made right, and so we call on the Government to review the GPS system, find out what the drivers think and what the public thinks, and then take steps to improve the effectiveness of the system."

Dr. Brown declined to comment.