If taxi drivers don?t buck up, the Ministry of Transport will be forced to take ?the necessary steps? to ensure people can get a cab, Transport Minister Ewart Brown said last night.

Dr. Brown issued the ultimatum to taxi drivers after residents and visitors were left stranded in Dockyard on Thursday night after attending the Bermuda Music Festival ? a situation which he said was ?unacceptable?.

?Clearly this is the biggest event held annually in Bermuda,? he said. ?This year, we have upwards of 3,000 visitors on the Island attending. I am extremely disappointed that the taxi industry has not mobilised themselves in an organised manner to service our visitors.

?Now, more than ever, is the time for our visitors and residents to be receiving efficient service from the industry, but yet again, the taxi industry has shown that they are unable to provide an effective service.?

He urged taxi drivers to be more cognisant of the needs of visitors and locals, particularly this week, and put all operators on notice.

?I want all drivers to be aware that over the course of the next three days, if our visitors and residents who are attending the Bermuda Music Festival have any further problems getting a taxi for this event, then the Ministry will be forced and is prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure that an efficient transportation service is provided.?

A Government spokesperson would offer no clues as to what those steps may be last night.