Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell met with more than 150 taxi operators to receive feedback on potential changes to the industry.

Derek Young, president of the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association, said one of the major issues discussed at the meeting was the fare rate increase announced by Government in October. If put into effect, the 25 percent increase will be the first in seven years.

“We talked about a number of issues, in particular the proposed rate increase, GPS, advertising in taxis and moving the insurance and licencing date to June,” Mr Young said. “It was very well attended and many issues were put forward and discussed. Several operators put their recommendations forward.

“Overall, I think it was a very productive meeting but now it all comes down to the Minister. It’s in his hands but I think we are all very optimistic about what the results will be.”

Taxi operator Tafari Outerbridge, who attended the meeting, said the proposed rate change was the main point of conversation during the meeting. While he said the majority of taxi operators appeared to support the concept, a few did express some concerns.

“It’s been seven years since we have seen a rate increase,” he said. “The other side is it’s another burden on the public, and it’s a valid argument because of the economic times out there, but I don’t think people realise how hard taxi drivers work for such little money.

“There’s a false perception that taxi drivers make a lot of money, but some of us are working 70 hours a week and making an average of $5.65 an hour.”

“I think it would have been easier for the public if it was done the way it should have been done, coming up with the cost of living. I think if they had increased it by something like two percent every year, it would have been easier for the public to swallow.”

Mr Outerbridge said the ongoing debate regarding GPS was also heard during the meeting. While he said GPS systems can work if it is utilised across the board, he expressed concerns about the effect the devices could have on public safety.

“I think that we really have to weigh out whether it’s really more beneficial than the alternative,” he said. “If you have to take your eyes off the road to read it, there’s a safety concern. It’s not realistic to think drivers are going to be able to pull over every time the device goes off.”

He said the idea of allowing advertising in taxis was soundly backed by the drivers in attendance.

“It’s something that should have been done a long time ago because it means another revenue stream for the drivers,” he said. “I think it was received very well. Hopefully it will mean advertising outside of cars as well as inside.”