Bermuda's taxi drivers will have crucial talks with Premier Alex Scott today but are ready to strike if not satisfied.

Drivers want clarification over a proposed raise but the main issue is Government's plan to bring in mandatory Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for cabs.

Bermuda Taxi Owners Association Chairman Gordon Flood was asked about the mood among drivers.

He said: "The majority are ready to pull their services out but we are talking to the Premier. We have a meeting tomorrow afternoon and then we will take a decision.

"We are going there because (the Ministry of) Transport say they have a package and we would like to see what's in it."

He said drivers wanted their promised raise and were seeking clarification over the issue.

Asked if the raise would stop any action, Mr. Flood said: "Not necessarily. It depends on what else they want to do."

He said GPS will be the main topic.

Drivers will have a mass meeting at Warwick Workmen's Club tomorrow night.

Asked if drivers were ready to strike when the summer promised to be a lucrative one with so many new flights, Mr. Flood said: "We have already had three bad summers."

Transport Minister Ewart Brown has said he plans to introduce GPS legislation this summer although he has yet to say exactly when.

The GPS proposal was defeated in the Senate in 2002 and Government did not fulfil its promise of reintroducing the legislation the following year, which was an election year.

Late last month the Government won a House motion in support of the principle of mandatory GPS and has been running a public information campaign in support of it.

Bermuda Taxi Owners Association spokesman Lee Tucker said drivers would be running a series of newspaper advertisements this week attacking GPS.

He said: "It won't be beneficial to us or the public."

He said Government had spent taxpayers' money promoting a project which would benefit private enterprise.

Mr. Tucker said Government had not given a timetable on when GPS will be implemented. Late last month Government said it hoped for a July 1 target for fare rises of 20 percent.

Also set to be introduced are shared rides to and from the airport, the ability to use imported second-hand vehicles as taxis, an increase in the allowable dimensions of taxis and significant improvements to the dispatching of taxis to include computerised dispatch and safety/security features for taxi operators.

Last night Transport Permanent Secretary Mark Telemaque confirmed Government was still aiming for the July 1 target date.

The Opposition United Bermuda Party said GPS should be voluntary for drivers who want it.

Government says the system, which alots the nearest cab to any job will improve efficiency as well as safety for drivers who can operate a panic button if they are in distress.