Three taxi firms are still in the fight to woo drivers to their GPS systems after Co-op Taxis decided not to go in with Radio Cabs.

However Co-op taxis, which are linked with the Bermuda Central Dispatch Company, are very much the underdog having gathered close to 100 drivers out of the 600 cabs on the Island.

Co-op President Alaine Whitter said: "We are revising our business plan to accommodate 150 cars due to the uncertainty in the industry."

Suppliers Mobile Knowledge are coming at the end of next week to demonstrate the GPS packages which start at just under $2,000 plus a $500 installation fee.

However, the system won't be ready to roll for another month, said Mrs. Whitter, who believes Transport Minister Ewart Brown is not going to come down with a heavy hand on drivers trying to get ready.

Yesterday Radio Cabs boss Eddie Darrell said his firm, which used to dominate the industry had signed up 200 cabs although only two have actually installed the sets ahead of the February 6 deadline.

He said Government had not given a firm deadline on when the GPS systems had to go live.

Michael Ray, of BTA (Dispatching) Ltd., said however, the Monday deadline was for installation and turning the GPS on.

He said 350 cabs had signed up with his firm, 200 of which had already fitted the machines while 250 would be ready when the GPS goes live on Monday.

TCD director Randy Brangman failed to return a call to The Royal Gazette about the issue.