Government has been applauded over its plans to crank up taxi fares by 25 percent, with cabbies claiming that the increase is long overdue.Pointing out that the fare rate - which is set by Government - had not been changed for nearly seven years, representatives said the increase would bring massive relief to drivers while having minimal impact on the public.Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association president Derek Young said his organisation had been in negotiations with the Government since early in the year - and that those talks had finally appeared to pay off.“The taxi industry is delighted that the Government has taken on our recommendations and will be legislating our concerns,” Mr Young said.“We have been very patient getting to this point and although it’s been a struggle for many of us, we have gone about our business and serviced the public. This summer has seen us service locals, the airport, hotels, along with the biggest cruise ship ever to hit Bermuda. I think overall, we done a spectacular job.“However many of us may have just been able to break even financially. With the slow period now upon us the high cost of gas, maintenance, and tyres, continue and contribute to hurt to taxi man’s pocket. These proposals, once legislated will assist in easing the taxi man’s burdens.“The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association looks forward to working with the Government now and in the future as we hope to implement a taxi authority so that we can direct and own our own industry.”Mr Young said that, while the increase might seem steep, the impact on the average passenger was minimal.“Four people traveling from Hamilton to Elbow Beach will now pay $12.50 instead of $10,” he said.BTOOA deputy president Leo Simmons warned that drivers may expect to come under attack for the above-inflation increase, but insisted that drivers had been neglected for too long.And he dismissed fears that the hike could deter visitors from returning to the Island, pointing out that there were few complaints earlier in the year when Government increased fares for public transport passes.“Retailers, grocery stores, gas statiions - they have all had concessions recently, yet the taxi industry has had nothing,” Mr Simmons said.He added that the cost of fuel and maintenance had gone up year-on-year - but because of Government controls, cab drivers had been held back from keeping up with inflation.“There are a great deal of hidden costs that passengers don’t realise,” he said.