The Free Democratic Movement has announced that it would limit government activity in the taxi industry if elected.

The group said that it believed the business had the ability to regulate itself with the help of the Bermuda Taxi Owners Association.

Shalleya Codrington, the FDM candidate for Sandys North (Constituency 36), said: “It is within the best interests of Bermuda to give them full control over this industry.

“They interact with the tourists that come into this island every single year.

“They know what they need. We are not taxi drivers — we do not know what taxi drivers need.”

She added: “From a government standpoint, if we’re ignoring people who work in these industries, who know what’s best for their industry, we’re never going to see progress.”

Ms Codrington, who was speaking during a press conference at Kings Wharf in Dockyard, said that many taxi drivers had felt “disrespected” by the BTOA’s lack of involvement in decisions on transportation.

Ms Codrington noted that the BTOA had released a 31-point statement listing problems to be addressed, including the need for a centralised dispatching system and 150 temporary licences to be given out during the busier summer season.

She said that, although the group had condensed their statement to eight points, they were still “ignored by the Government”.

Ms Codrington added that many taxi drivers were struggling to make ends meet and could not afford extra competition.

Omar Dill, the chairman of the FDM, said: “We stand here in alignment with the BTOA in particular.”

Mr Dill said that his party would advocate to give the Transport Control Department limited oversight on the taxi industry, only intervening on safety.

Marc Bean, the FDM’s founder and candidate for Southampton West (Constituency 32), pointed out that tourism was the island’s “second major industry”.

He said there was “too much government interference and intervention”.

Mr Bean also drew attention to the involvement of David Burt, the Premier, in the founding of the app-based taxi firm Hitch.

He added: “In the end, there’s no reason why a politician should be involved in manipulating the industry for their own benefit.

“Taxi drivers have had enough. All they’re seeking to do is be able to make an honest living for the benefit of their families.”

Mr Burt’s page on the House of Assembly’s website acknowledges him as the cofounder and lead app developer for Hitch.

Mr Bean recognised that his party, which only had ten candidates, would likely not be in a position to lead the Government, but could work with other MPs on legislation for the taxi industry’s autonomy.

The Bermuda Land Management Company launched an Authorised Transportation Access Pass programme in January.

The passes would give taxi and minibus drivers authorisation to pick up passengers at Dockyard cruise ship piers to avoid congestion and improve safety.

Tonight a government spokeswoman denied that taxi drivers were ignored.

She said: “The Authorised Access Pass initiative is overseen by the Bermuda Land Management Company, which was responsible for creating the terms and conditions document, not the Ministry of Transport.

“Since November, the chief executive officer of BLMC has held three meetings with the Bermuda Taxi Owners Association.

“Additionally, on Wednesday evening, a three-hour meeting took place with members of the BTOA and representatives from the Bermuda Tourism Authority, BLMC and the Transport Control Department.

“During this meeting, the full details of the proposal were discussed, and BTOA members had the opportunity to have their questions answered.

“The chief executive officer of the BTOA also shared each draft, requesting comments and support.”

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