While changes in the taxi industry are one of the election's hot topics, Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown was keen to talk about anything but in a written statement sent to this paper.

Meanwhile the Opposition focussed on the taxi industry in their statement but declined to actually say what their taxi strategy would be.

Transport Minister Ewart Brown said his Ministry's top initiative “is to ensure that each department in the Ministry meets or exceeds the expectations of the people of Bermuda”.

He said his Ministry was striving to increase flights to Bermuda from America, Canada, the UK and Europe.

Increased competition will help reduce airfares to benefit Bermudians and visitors alike said Dr. Brown.

“If we are successful in bringing a low-cost carrier such as Jet Blue to Bermuda, the impact will go far beyond airfares.

“Assuming that a portion of the ‘savings' will result in more spending in Bermuda, our economy could feel the welcome revenue stream in terms of millions of dollars.”

The PLP aims to continue expanding public and private transportation services and help make water transport a viable alternative to the car and to integrate bus, ferry and minibus services, in line with the Government's national transport plan, said Dr. Brown.

“We will soon have a new Hamilton Bus Terminal, replacing the current one built in the 1970s.”

He said the Transport Control Department would cut red tape by setting up on-line services.

“An ultra-modern structure, designed to house all emissions and safety testing, as well as the headquarters for the Ministry, is planned for 2004.

“The overall goal is to change existing legislation to provide fewer restrictions and more competition with one primary goal, to meet the transportation needs of residents and visitors.”

He said the Ministry would continue to co-ordinate with tourism, other government departments and the private sector.

United Bermuda Party spokesman Jamahl Simmons said that in 1998 his party had unveiled a comprehensive national transportation plan to modernise public transportation and improve road safety, with the objective of reducing traffic on the roads and making them safer by wider and more efficient coordination of the public transport system.

“Since then, millions of dollars have been spent on a new ferry system, but little else has been accomplished,” he said.

“Meanwhile, we have seen the Transport Ministry alienate the taxi industry by insisting upon a compulsory GPS system.”

That threat still loomed, said Mr. Simmons.

“Improving relations between Government and the taxi industry will be the highest priority of the Transportation Ministry in the next United Bermuda Party government.

“Just over a year ago the new United Bermuda Party stood shoulder to shoulder with Bermuda's taxi drivers and defeated Dr. Brown's infamous GPS bill. This victory represented a high point of the new United Bermuda Party's time in opposition as we proved that, despite our small numbers, right could overcome might.

“We believe the answers to improving customer service lie within a renewed partnership between the taxi industry and government.”

He said it should be remembered that while a taxi was public vehicle it is also a private business.

“In a few days we will unveil our new taxi strategy,” said Mr. Simmons. “This portion of our platform is a result of over a year of hard work, thinking outside the box and consulting with industry stakeholders to insure that it will be effective and attainable.

“This plan is designed to address the needs of both the customer and our taxi drivers, and marks a new beginning for relations between government and the taxi industry.

“As opposition, the new United Bermuda Party has proven that it can work with industry stakeholders to reach mutually acceptable agreements.

“If we are chosen by the people to serve as the next government, we will continue to engage in open dialogue with the taxi industry and continue to seek new ways to improve service to the community.”