Government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce the controversial global positioning system in taxi cabs, The Royal Gazette can reveal.

Transport Control Department director Kevin Monkman said a paper had been prepared and was set to go to Transport Minister Ewart Brown and the Cabinet.

Government hope the system can reduce customer waiting times by assigning the nearest cab.

But Mr. Monkman stressed the global positioning systems (GPS) were not a spy in the cab system.

He said: "Most computerised dispatch companies use GPS to locate the taxis closest to the customer rather than as a tracking system.

"I don't care about tracking where they are."

He said two Canadian companies were due in Bermuda in the next couple of weeks to give presentations on their products.

He said Mobile Knowledge was linked to Government MP George Scott's Advanced Tech Solutions company while Digital Dispatch Systems was also set to come.

GPS would be mandatory if laws are passed but he could not give a timetable.

Mr. Monkman said: "I am sending proposals to the minister for his and Cabinet's consideration in the next few weeks."

In 2002 a GPS bill was passed in the House of Assembly but defeated by the Senate.

Following that defeat Dr. Brown promised he would reintroduce it a year later but did not do so.

The Bermuda Taxi Owners Association have been against the GPS, railing against the estimated $1,400 cost of installing the gadgets. They also said there was no guarantee waiting times would be reduced.

Efforts to contact BTOA president Lee Tucker were unsuccessful yesterday.

Mr. Monkman said the proposals were very similar to the previous ones.

He also revealed plans were being drafted to allow second hand cabs to be imported to reduce costs for drivers.