A taxi industry group was expected to meet last night to discuss what it claimed was a lack of action by the Government in implementing changes to the industry.

The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association staged a protest last month when it delivered questions to the Ministry of Transport.

It said this week that it had still not received a response.

“We feel that we are being ignored because the minister has no plan,” a BTOA spokeswoman told The Royal Gazette.

A transport ministry spokeswoman highlighted yesterday that Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, issued a statement in February when he said that he was willing to meet the group.

In a statement yesterday, the spokeswoman added: “The Ministry of Transport has advised the executive of BTOA that minister Furbert will meet with the general membership before April 1.

“In the interim period, the ministry has been fully engaged in addressing the issues previously identified and remains committed to the timelines already communicated to the BTOA executive."

A spokeswoman for the taxi association told The Royal Gazette that the BTOA meeting would be open to all owners and operators “to discuss Government’s inaction in implementing a rate increase in ten years”.

She added: “We have not heard from the minister despite having put our questions to him the day before the last protest.

“When will we receive the rate increase? What will the rate increase be?”

The BTOA also questioned whether rate three — a higher rate that can be charged at night — would be returned to a 10pm or 9pm start from midnight, which is when it comes into effect at present.

Its spokeswoman added: “In a month, the Government and other tourism-related entities will be looking to the taxi industry to support their initiatives including mega cruise ships brought into Bermuda without the necessary infrastructure to support them in place.”

Members of the BTOA tried to protest at the Transport Control Department parking lot last month but were turned away by government traffic officers.

Between 15 and 20 cabs arrived at the Pembroke facility then drove around the area several times as an alternative means to demonstrate.

Mr Furbert said at the time that it was “disappointing news” that the taxi drivers decided to protest, adding that he recognised the importance of communication.

He said: "As I've expressed to the BTOA executive, we will meet with your general membership.

“This meeting will provide an opportunity for further clarification, address any remaining questions and ensure that all members are well informed.“