Taxi operators in favour of a computerised central dispatch system rallied around Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown yesterday.

Taxis began arriving at the Cabinet building about 20 minutes before Dr. Brown was scheduled to give a press confe rence inviting all taxi owners to a meeting tonight which will include a presentation explaining the new system.

The taxis lined one side of the Cabinet building's circular drive offering a visual expression of unity which belies the fragmented state of the industry over proposed changes.

"What you have here are a few of the progressive taxi operators,'' said `Junior' Fostine-DeSilva, as the vehicles organised their positions in front of the building. "We're here to show we support Dr. Brown and, that we're not afraid of new technology.'' Dr. Brown thanked the operators for their support.

"The public should know that there is considerable support within the taxi industry for progress. There are a number of owners who want to move forward with this ministry to give the kind of service Bermuda deserves,'' he said.

One of the operators who turned out to support the initiative told the Royal Gazette that there is a definite divide within the industry between taxi owners and taxi drivers.

"I'd say owners are 55 percent in support,'' said Walter Byron. "But the majority of drivers are against the changes. Drivers never want to accept responsibility or have accountability.'' And Mr. Byron said he believed that Dr. Brown had enough support to get the changes through and that many of those protesting are simply "Doubting Thomases'' afraid of change. "I keep telling my friends, `come with us into the 21st century where a whole pile of things will be happening','' he said.

Cabbies opposed to the new system -- primarily on grounds of expense -- are claiming they have accumulated almost 300 signatures against the changes and that they are searching for legal representation to block it.

Dr. Brown said he welcomed the petition and protests being organised but he believed the positions being expressed were primarily based on lack of information. "I believe in every expression of democratic rights,'' he said.

"The right to disagree, the right to petition, the right to protest -- Lord knows I did enough of that myself -- but I believe, (in this case), it's based on being under-informed.'' Taxi drivers rally for new dispatch scheme After tonight's meeting, Dr. Brown hopes those opposed to the plans will be sufficiently well informed to come on board with their support and he clarified the Ministry's position that if the system is implemented, "it will be mandatory''.

Tonight's meeting -- which is closed to the media -- will include a technical presentation explaining how the new system will work.

"There will be ample opportunity for owners to give their views and ask any questions of me or the technical support persons who will be present,'' said Dr. Brown.

Overseas consultants from SiGEM -- the system under consideration -- who have assisted 50 different areas with implementation have been flown to the island to give the presentation.

George Scott of Advanced Tech Solutions -- the local company working with the ministry to bring about the computerised central dispatch system -- said that there is some confusion that the system under consideration is a Global Positioning System.

"It's not a GPS system,'' he said. "That is one of the software packages that can be added to the computer system, but basically we're talking about going from a manual system where the dispatcher writes everything down, every time, even if you call seven days a week, to one where a computer stores information which can then be accessed.

"The GPS is just one feature the Minister likes, we're just looking for efficiency,'' he said.

Mr. Scott also explained that updating to a central dispatch system will allow drivers to accept credit and debit cards and could be developed to allow for instant billing with hotel and tour groups.

Supporters among the taxi operators also plan to hand out a flyer tomorrow night titled: "As a taxi operator -- how will the SiGEM system make me more money?'' Among the nine points listed are that the faster dispatch will allow for more fares and a removal of dispatcher favouritism, scooping and stealing fares will end, voice communications will still be available for private conversations and emergencies and, that the system will include a covert emergency switch for driver safety, which will allow for immediate dispatch of aid.

The meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Centennial Hall, Hamilton.

Show of support: Taxi operators turned out in support of Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown's efforts to implement a computerised central dispatching system for the industry. Pictured are the drivers flanking the minister outside the Cabinet building.