Taxi drivers could be offered the use of their personal cars as back-up while their cabs are out of commission, the transport minister has revealed.

Wayne Furbert said: “We are looking at finding a way to see how they can drive something else while their taxi is off the road.”

At a press conference yesterday, Mr Furbert said talks were continuing within the ministry, Cabinet and the Attorney-General’s Chambers on the “modernisation and harmonisation” of the industry.

He disputed that the number of cabs off the road was as high as had been made out, noting that there had been reference to nearly 200 vehicles in a social media post last month.

Mr Furbert was referring to remarks in August by Ricky Tucker, vice-president of the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association, who said the Government had failed to give concessions to cabbies — arguing that although the island had 600 permitted vehicles, there were 35 off the road owing to probates, with a further 100 awaiting new parts and “60-plus waiting for new or replacement vehicles”.

Mr Furbert maintained that the actual number had been about 54 vehicles, adding that drivers could have recourse to private vehicles while their cabs were repaired.

He confirmed that Bermuda’s taxi rates were also under review, after cabbies spoke out this summer that their fees were long overdue a raise.

“The ministry has been working diligently on the taxi industry, and we have been putting together a package regarding rates,” he said.

A final decision had yet to be made, however, and he declined to state what rates might be envisioned. In July the BTOA called for a 20 per cent increase.

Mr Furbert was speaking days after Jamaica’s 19 per cent rate increase for buses as well as taxis came into effect on Sunday.

The use of ridesharing apps and the potential for a centralised dispatching service are also being discussed, he said.

Mr Furbert said the island at present had four dispatching services, adding: “How do we find a way either working together or centrally, so they can all hear the same communication at the same time? We are trying to find a way for that to happen.

“We are optimistic we’re going to find a solution one way or another.”