What is global positioning system technology and how does it work? Who is selling it on the Island? And what are the advantages of installing the expensive technology?

These are some of the questions which have been front and centre since Government?s proposal for legislation making GPS mandatory in taxi cabs was tabled in the House of Assembly several weeks ago.

Drivers have said they do not know who to turn to for information about GPS, according to Bermuda Taxi Owners Association spokesperson Lee Tucker.

?There?s a lack of information and a lack of trust,? he said.

?We haven?t been given all the information pertaining to what we can purchase and what type of equipment is compatible with the dispatcher?s software.?

Transport Control Department director Kevin Monkman told that four companies have been approved by Government to have their equipment sold by local vendors ? Mobile Knowledge, Digital Dispatching and Raywood Communication, an Australian-based company, and Can Tech, a company based on Ottawa, Canada.

All have websites and drivers can order the equipment independently and bypass the equipment offered for sale by Advanced Tech Solutions, owned by PLP MP George Scott.

And a number of Bermuda delivery companies have been using GPS in the last few years.

Butterfield & Vallis installed GPS four years ago, said general manager Alun Hughes. Data is beamed from the vans to the office whether it is switched on or off.

Mr. Hughes said the system works to protect drivers so the company can accurately plot arrival times and respond to customer complaints or questions.

?It?s a working tool so we know where they are and when they arrived at a particular place,? he said.

?It works as a protective shield for our vehicles.?

If customers complain that a delivery truck did not arrive on time, the claim can be checked with the computer, he added.

Marine Police have also used GPS on their boats to pinpoint their exact location in case one of them gets into a distress situation.

Taxi drivers will be required to install two-way radio sets, a mobile data terminal capable of receiving and responding to text messages and a GPS device which allows the company to monitor the location of a taxi. An alarm device must also be installed for emergency situations.