Transport Minister Ewart Brown and the Bermuda Taxi Association have reached an agreement, a smiling Dr. Brown announced yesterday.

Speaking at the first-quarter media luncheon at the Wyndham Resort, Dr. Brown announced that shared rides and flat fees from the Airport have been approved by the Public Service Vehicle Licensing Board (PSVLB).

The Island has been divided into six zones, each with a set rate from the Airport, he explained. For example, whereas previously a couple travelling to the Fairmont Southampton could be paying $25, the flat fee could now be $18 ? and if two couples share the taxi, the driver will make $36 while each couple saves $7 over what they previously would have paid.

Arrival numbers at the Airport will be given to the Taxi Association and posted daily to be passed on to drivers, he said, allowing them to up the quality of service at the Airport.

Meanwhile, a St. George?s Train Service is in the pipeline, with routes and times to be finalised, while the Warwick Mini Bus Service will be enhanced in the West End. Ferry service is also being upped this summer: the West End will see 25 trips a day from Hamilton to Dockyard instead of 19 like last year, while service from Dockyard to St. George?s will increase to five trips per day (over three from last year).