Self interest and fear of technology are behind opposition to Government's plans to computerise the taxi industry, according to Rolfe Commissiong.

But he said rigorous enforcement of the status quo - which meant forcing all drivers to have two way radios and all dispatch companies to provide information to Government - would prove the case for computerisation of the industry.

"They (dispatch companies) are going to find it very difficult to comply because they weren't able to do so before.

"It's going to graphically illustrate the mess we're in," Mr. Commissiong said.

A shareholder of Advanced Tech Solutions, which was set up as the vendor of computerised dispatching technology, Mr. Commissiong said he was "saddened" by the fact that Independent Senators had sided with Opposition United Bermuda Party (UBP) Senators to reject the Motor Car Amendment Act which would force the taxi industry to adopt the technology.

Last Wednesday's Senate vote ended in a five all draw which meant the bill cannot be reconsidered in the same form by the House of Assembly until next year.

If it passes the House again it will be automatically approved by the Senate.

Government argues that the technology, the centrepiece of which is satellite based tracking technology, would improve driver safety and service to the public.

Mr. Commissiong said the Independents had effectively "endorsed the current inefficiencies" of the industry.

But he saw a silver lining in the development.

"You will find that the current regime which is going to be strictly enforced is going to reveal the gross inadequacies of the current business model as it relates to the dispatch companies and the fleet itself."

He said he was surprised that Senate President Alf Oughton voted against the bill because he had personally lobbied him and Senator Oughton had seemed to understand the "core issues".

"That led me to believe he would come down on the side of it's time to bite the bullet."

He said the debate, in and out of the Island's legislative chambers, had become "personalised".

"It became more about who was going to make money out of this...

"I really do think the Independent Senators, in addition to what some may perceive as their political bias, were swayed by personalities on this issue."

And he said it probably would have turned out differently if long established companies were the investors behind the new technology.

"Those who blocked it are motivated by self interest," he continued.

"Some of the entrenched interests that were controlling the transport industry along with individual drivers getting the lucrative cruise ship business have a lot to lose."

He added that Bermuda Taxi Operators Association spokesperson Lee Tucker had been "duped" by members of that group.

The main detractors among taxi drivers were all over the age of 60 and "won't even be driving a cab in the next five to seven years", Mr. Commission continued.

"But they are so selfish and shortsighted they can't even do what is in the best interest of their own sons and daughters, nephews and nieces who will be the ones to inherit this industry in the 21st century."