Taxi fares are set to soar by 20 percent this year with another five percent rise next year, can reveal.

The figures were recommended by the taxi review committee comprising Government and industry representatives.

However Government has stalled on the increase until improvements are made in service, earning the wrath of drivers who have not had a rise since 1997.

Bermuda Taxi Owners Association Spokesman Lee Tucker did not want to discuss the standoff yesterday while Transport Control Department Director Kevin Monkman said he was unaware if there had been further talks on that issue.

Mr. Tucker said: ?The New York taxi operators were recently given a rise of 25 percent and that was their first rise for seven years.?

A meeting of drivers is planned on the issue and Mr. Tucker did not rule out industrial action although he stressed it did not want it to go that far. Taxi drivers are also angry over aspects of the new bill of rights setting out what drivers and customers should expect.

Mr. Tucker said cabbies wanted guarantees on compensation for when customers are sick in cabs.

He said: ?We asked for it but it wasn?t done.?

Mr. Tucker said people getting drunk and being sick should be obliged to pay for the clean ups, particularly as it could put a cab out of action for a night because the smell would upset other passengers.

The requirement for passengers to be taken to any destination on the island was contentious said Mr. Tucker as drivers did not want to be forced to going to dangerous areas, particularly women drivers working late at night. Currently cabbies can be hauled before the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board for refusing to take someone to a particular destination.

Some drivers wanted the right not to go on long trips when they were about to knock off for the night said Mr. Tucker.

However he conceded that cabbies were in the wrong for turning down trips from the airport to Grotto Bay hotel because it was too short a ride.

The smoking ban is also too hardline said Mr. Tucker, adding that passengers who wanted to smoke should be allowed if the driver agrees. Asked for his comments, Mr. Monkman said: ?I don?t think it?s fruitful to get into a public discussion regarding Mr. Tucker?s comments.?

He said the package of proposals had been sent out to all taxi owners and feedback was being sought.

?We have received several which have been constructive. Mr. Tucker was a member of the committee. If he wants to put forward a dissenting report that would be in his right to do so.?

@EDITRULE:THE RIGHTS

As a taxi rider you have the right to:

Direct the destination and the route used

Travel to any destination throughout the island

A courteous, knowledgeable driver

A driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws

Air-conditioning by request

A commercial radio-free (silent) trip if desired

Smoke and incense free air

A clean passenger seat area

A clean trunk

A driver who does not talk on a cell phone while driving

The taxi driver has the right to:

A passenger who is not verbally or physically abusive

Be paid for the journey

Shirts must have sleeves but collars are not mandatory

Sandals must be secured around the ankle

Denim, jeans and tracksuits are banned

Guidelines on shoes and headgear to be issued.