flights was thrown into the spotlight on Friday.

Shadow Tourism Minister David Allen said he was "embarrassed'' when he returned to Bermuda on an evening flight to find few taxis at the airport.

Mr. Allen said the lack of transportation left visitors "stranded'' and they could not turn to the Visitor Service Bureau since it was closed.

He suggested that the Department of Tourism have a "trouble shooter'' at the Airport at all times to help arriving visitors.

But Transport Minister Wayne Furbert reminded Mr. Allen that taxi drivers were independent entrepreneurs.

And he said that his Ministry was trying to address the issue by talking with the drivers.

Tourism Minister David Dodwell pointed out that Government could not force taxi drivers to attend the Airport during the evenings.

Mr. Dodwell hinted that a "shared fare'' concept -- which has been opposed by drivers -- could help alleviate the problem.

He added Government could only make the drivers aware of the importance of being at the Airport to pick up visitors coming in on an evening flight.

TAXI SHORTAGE -- David Allen