consider allowing passengers to pay by credit card unless cabbies were able to charge extra for the convenience.

Spokesman Mr. Lee Tucker said drivers could not afford to handle cards. They would have to absorb the cost of buying a special credit card meter to speed up the payment process and a bank fee.

"If we could levy a surcharge against the credit card user, we may consider allowing them,'' Mr. Tucker said, "But right now we are unable to absorb anymore expenses. Ever since our rates were raised five years ago we have been hit with increases in fuel and health taxes and garage repair bills.'' Mr. Tucker added the BTOU had looked into the idea of charging credit card customers extra, but found out it would be illegal.